An ancient RNA-guided system could simplify delivery of gene editing therapies
The programmable proteins are compact, modular, and can be directed to modify DNA in human cells.
A protein from tiny tardigrades may help cancer patients tolerate radiation therapy
When scientists stimulated cells to produce a protein that helps “water bears” survive extreme environments, the tissue showed much less DNA damage after radiation treatment.
AI system predicts protein fragments that can bind to or inhibit a target
FragFold, developed by MIT Biology researchers, is a computational method with potential for impact on biological research and therapeutic applications.
Professor Anthony Sinskey, biologist, inventor, entrepreneur, and Center for Biomedical Innovation co-founder, dies at 84
Colleagues remember the longtime MIT professor as a supportive, energetic collaborator who seemed to know everyone at the Institute.
MIT biologists discover a new type of control over RNA splicing
They identified proteins that influence splicing of about half of all human introns, allowing for more complex types of gene regulation.
With generative AI, MIT chemists quickly calculate 3D genomic structures
A new approach, which takes minutes rather than days, predicts how a specific DNA sequence will arrange itself in the cell nucleus.
An abundant phytoplankton feeds a global network of marine microbes
New findings illuminate how Prochlorococcus’ nightly “cross-feeding” plays a role in regulating the ocean’s capacity to cycle and store carbon.
Bacteria in the human gut rarely update their CRISPR defense systems
A new study of the microbiome finds intestinal bacterial interact much less often with viruses that trigger immunity updates than bacteria in the lab.
Photos: 2024 Nobel winners with MIT ties honored in Stockholm
Laureates participated in various Nobel Week events, including lectures, a concert, a banquet, and the Nobel ceremony on Dec. 10.
Jane-Jane Chen: A model scientist who inspires the next generation
A research scientist and internationally recognized authority in the field of blood cell development reflects on 45 years at MIT.
Cancer biologists discover a new mechanism for an old drug
Study reveals the drug, 5-fluorouracil, acts differently in different types of cancer — a finding that could help researchers design better drug combinations.
Victor Ambros ’75, PhD ’79 and Gary Ruvkun share Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
The scientists, who worked together as postdocs at MIT, are honored for their discovery of microRNA — a class of molecules that are critical for gene regulation.
Fifteen Lincoln Laboratory technologies receive 2024 R&D 100 Awards
The innovations map the ocean floor and the brain, prevent heat stroke and cognitive injury, expand AI processing and quantum system capabilities, and introduce new fabrication approaches.
License plates of MIT
Custom plates display expressions of scholarship, creativity, and MIT pride among Institute affiliates.
Scientists preserve DNA in an amber-like polymer
With their “T-REX” method, DNA embedded in the polymer could be used for long-term storage of genomes or digital data such as photos and music.