Tracking the footprints of protein synthesis
Researchers refine a method to quantify protein production, show that the precision with which bacteria and eukaryotes tune their gene expression is remarkably similar.
MIT engineers repurpose wasp venom as an antibiotic drug
Altered peptides from a South American wasp’s venom can kill bacteria but are nontoxic to human cells.
The long and short of CDK12
A new study linking RNA processing to DNA repair may open new avenues to cancer therapy.
Measuring cancer cell “fitness” reveals drug susceptibility
Together, cell growth rate and gene expression shed light on why some tumor cells survive treatment.
Activating a new understanding of gene regulation
Study reveals the role of the activation domain, a part of transcription factors previously shrouded in mystery.
New CRISPR tool opens up more of the genome for editing
Enzyme can target almost half of the genome’s “ZIP codes” and could enable editing of many more disease-specific mutations.
Studying the hotbed of horizontal gene transfers
Global Microbiome Conservancy research reveals surprising new insights into human gut microbiomes.
This RNA-based technique could make gene therapy more effective
Biological engineers design RNA circuits that enable precise control over the dose of therapeutic protein a patient receives.
In pursuit of the elusive stem cell
New MIT initiative delves into the biology of stem cells and cancer stem cells, seeks ways to identify, purify, and propagate them.
Feng Zhang wins 2018 Keio Medical Science Prize
McGovern Institute scientist is recognized with award for outstanding and creative achievements made in the life and medical sciences.
Detangling DNA replication
Researchers identify an essential protein that helps enzymes relax overtwisted DNA so each strand can be copied during cell division.
Tissue architecture affects chromosome segregation
Biologists discover that the environment surrounding a cell plays an integral role in its ability to accurately segregate its chromosomes.
Investigating Earth’s earliest life
Graduate student Kelsey Moore uses genetic and fossil evidence to study the first stages of evolution on our planet.
Scientists sharpen the edges of cancer chemotherapy
Whitehead team deploys CRISPR tools to better understand and uncover ways of improving methotrexate, a popular chemotherapy drug.
Restricting a key cellular nutrient could slow tumor growth
Researchers identify the amino acid aspartate as a metabolic limitation in certain cancers.