To make mini-organs grow faster, give them a squeeze
Study finds that compressing cells, and crowding their contents, can coax them to grow and divide.
Alzheimer’s risk gene disrupts endocytosis, but another disease-linked gene could help
Astrocytes with the APOE4 gene variant show deficits of a key cellular function, but overexpressing the gene PICALM overcame the defect.
SMART researchers receive Intra-CREATE grant for personalized medicine and cell therapy
Funds will support research on glaucoma through retinal biometrics and neural cell implantation therapy for spinal cord injury.
Proteins — and labs — coming together to prevent Rett syndrome
Disruption of condensates in the neurodevelopmental disorder provides insights into how cells compartmentalize chromosomes, as well as new potential therapies.
Neural vulnerability in Huntington’s disease tied to release of mitochondrial RNA
Unique survey of gene expression by cell type in humans and mice reveals several deficits affecting the most vulnerable neurons.
Pyae Phyo: From Myanmar to NMR
PhD candidate’s journey to the center of the plant cell wall relies on nuclear magnetic resonance technology.
MIT-affiliated companies take on Covid-19
A variety of companies with MIT ties are working to address aspects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The growth of an organism rides on a pattern of waves
Study shows ripples across a newly fertilized egg are similar to other systems, from ocean and atmospheric circulations to quantum fluids.
Building a platform to image membrane proteins
Biologists devise an efficient method to prepare fluorescently tagged proteins and simulate their native environment.
Diagnosing cellular nanomechanics
SMART has developed a new way to study cells, paving the way for a better understanding of how cancers spread and become deadly.
Ruth Lehmann elected as director of Whitehead Institute
Lehmann, a world-renowned developmental and cell biology researcher, is the institute’s fifth director.
Understanding genetic circuits and genome organization
Assistant professors Pulin Li and Seychelle Vos are investigating how cells become tissues and the proteins that organize DNA.
To divide or not to divide?
Whitehead Institute team reveals molecular program that controls cells’ capacity for division.
Neurons’ “antennae” are unexpectedly active in neural computation
Tiny, branching extensions called dendrites may be more than just passive information-carriers, study finds.
Biologists find a way to boost intestinal stem cell populations
Study suggests that stimulating stem cells may protect the gastrointestinal tract from age-related disease.