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.
Making tuberculosis more susceptible to antibiotics
Shortening carbohydrates in the bacterial cell wall makes them more vulnerable to certain drugs.
Synthetic coating for the GI tract could deliver drugs or aid in digestion
MIT engineers devise a temporary film that may help treat diabetes, infections, and other conditions.
Face-specific brain area responds to faces even in people born blind
Study finds that the fusiform face area is active when blind people touch 3D models of faces.
A new tool for modeling the human gut microbiome
Bacteria linked to Crohn’s disease are difficult to grow in the lab, but MIT engineers have found a way.
Gene-controlling mechanisms play key role in cancer progression
Study finds “epigenomic” alterations evolve as lung tumors become more aggressive and metastasize.
Chemists make tough plastics recyclable
New method for producing thermoset plastics allows them to be broken down more easily after use.
Mapping the brain’s sensory gatekeeper
New analysis could help uncover potential drug targets for attention deficits and sensory hypersensitivity.
MIT team collaborates with 3M to develop rapid Covid-19 test
Company working with Sikes Lab to test feasibility of low-cost diagnostic that could be manufactured by the millions each day.
Engineers design a reusable, silicone rubber face mask
The prototype mask, which includes an N95 filter, can be easily sterilized and worn many times.
How worms move: Dopamine helps nematodes coordinate motor behaviors
To spy on worms for days on end, Picower Institute scientists invent a new open-source microscopy platform.
Engineers use “DNA origami” to identify vaccine design rules
In lab tests, virus-like DNA structures coated with viral proteins provoke a strong immune response in human B cells.
A focused approach to imaging neural activity in the brain
New molecule for imaging calcium in neurons reduces crosstalk from neighboring neurons.
Study sheds light on a classic visual illusion
Neuroscientists delve into how background brightness influences our perception of an object.
A boost for cancer immunotherapy
Engineers design nanoparticles that stimulate the immune system, helping it to attack tumors.