Disease

In the Alzheimer’s affected brain, abnormal levels of the beta-amyloid protein clump together to form plaques (seen in brown) that collect between neurons and disrupt cell function. Abnormal collections of the tau protein accumulate and form tangles (seen in blue) within neurons, harming synaptic communication between nerve cells.

A comprehensive map of how Alzheimer’s affects the brain

Analysis of genes altered by the disease could provide targets for new treatments.

May 1, 2019

J-Clinic names 18 grant recipients from across Institute

Projects will develop new AI technologies that detect and prevent diseases.

May 1, 2019

Keeping genetic engineering localized

Researchers are developing a so-called "daisy-chain" gene-drive system that provides controls for genetic engineering of certain populations.

April 2, 2019

MIT biologists found that intestinal stem cell populations declined in aged mice (right), compared to younger mice (left). Messenger RNA encoding a protein associated with intestinal stem cells is labeled in black.

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.

March 28, 2019

A group of academic institutions has granted a license for SHERLOCK, the highly-sensitive, low-cost CRISPR-based diagnostic, for commercial uses in the developed world, while reserving rights to enable its broad use by organizations to serve developing nations as well as unmet public health needs in the developed world.

Academic institutions grant commercial license for CRISPR-based SHERLOCK diagnostic technology in developed world

Rights are protected for broad use in developing world and for public health needs.

March 21, 2019

Most pills and capsules, whether over-the-counter or prescription, include components other than the actual drug. A new study shows those components are made of ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or irritations in certain patients.

“Inactive” ingredients may not be, study finds

Most pills contain compounds with potential to cause allergic reactions or discomfort in some patients.

March 13, 2019

A representative prototype of a gastric resident device researchers have created to slowly release antibiotics in a patient's stomach over time.

Reducing the burden of tuberculosis treatment

Drug delivery system would allow patients to switch from daily to monthly doses.

March 13, 2019

MIT researchers have developed an engineered liver tissue model that can be manipulated with RNA interference (RNAi).

Tissue model reveals how RNA will act on the liver

Studies could speed the development of new treatments for liver disease.

March 5, 2019

The binding interface between a peptide and its Bcl-2 protein target is composed of common structural motifs known as TERMs.

Predicting sequence from structure

Researchers have devised a faster, more efficient way to design custom peptides and perturb protein-protein interactions.

February 15, 2019

Researchers have released a repository of more than 350,000 detailed chest X-rays, which is free and open to academic, clinical, and industrial investigators.

MIMIC Chest X-Ray database to provide researchers access to over 350,000 patient radiographs

A new database of images could pave a path for algorithmic models that ensure accurate diagnoses of conditions like pneumonia.

February 1, 2019

MIT researchers have designed inhalable particles that can deliver messenger RNA. These lung epithelial cells have taken up particles (yellow) that carry mRNA encoding green fluorescent protein.

Engineers create an inhalable form of messenger RNA

Patients with lung disease could find relief by breathing in messenger RNA molecules.

January 4, 2019

MIT researchers have 3-D printed a novel microfluidic device that simulates cancer treatments on biopsied tumor tissue — and keeps the tissue alive for days — so clinicians can better examine how individual patients will respond to different therapeutics.

To guide cancer therapy, device quickly tests drugs on tumor tissue

Inexpensive 3-D-printed microfluidics device could be used to personalize cancer treatment.

December 12, 2018

In the Therapeutic Technology Design and Development lab, Assistant Professor Ellen Roche uses her background in both mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering to develop novel medical devices.

Blending medicine and mechanical engineering

Assistant Professor Ellen Roche develops revolutionary medical devices through research at the crossroads of medical science and engineering.

December 4, 2018

Detecting dengue, Zika, and chikangunya within minutes

MIT spinoff is changing the way mosquito-borne illnesses are diagnosed and aims to influence how public health officials react to disease outbreaks.

November 21, 2018

The common model of gene regulation imagines the nucleus of the cell as a large space in which molecules involved in DNA transcription float around seemingly at random.

Activating a new understanding of gene regulation

Study reveals the role of the activation domain, a part of transcription factors previously shrouded in mystery.

November 16, 2018

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Browse By

Topics

Departments

Centers, Labs, & Programs

Schools

Topic