National Institutes of Health (NIH)

A new technology called ELAST transforms tissues, such as this slab of human brain, to make them reversibly stretchable or compressible, as well as much more durable. This allows them to be repeatedly stretched out or squished down thin for much faster infusion of labeling probes, which labs use to highlight cells or molecules under the microscope.

Making tissue stretchable, compressible, and nearly indestructible

Chemical process called ELAST allows labeling probes to infuse more quickly, and makes samples tough enough for repeated handling.

May 20, 2020

In this figure, neurons in the bottom row, which are missing the HDAC1 gene, show higher levels of DNA damage (green) than normal neurons.

Study finds that aging neurons accumulate DNA damage

Reactivating an enzyme that promotes DNA repair can help to reverse age-related cognitive decline in mice.

May 18, 2020

MIT researchers have found that a protein called SYT7 appears to limit activity at neural connections called synapses. Here, synapses glowing light green are engaged in neurotransmitter release.

Study finds “volume dial” for turning neural communication up or down

The protein Synaptotagmin 7 limits supply of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles for release at synapses.

May 13, 2020

MIT engineers have developed a new system for rapidly analyzing drug absorption in intestinal tissue. Here, a robotic arm picks up a plate with gastrointestinal tissue from the storage unit for an experiment.

New model of the GI tract could speed drug development

Studies of drug absorption in the small intestine could help researchers identify medicines that can be taken orally.

April 27, 2020

This scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (orange)—also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes COVID-19—isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells (green) cultured in the lab.

Researchers identify cells likely targeted by Covid-19 virus

Study finds specific cells in the lungs, nasal passages, and intestines that are more susceptible to infection.

April 22, 2020

MIT biological engineers have created a specialized sensor that allows them to track dopamine in the brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as shown in the bottom row. Images in the top row show overall brain activity, as measured by functional MRI.

How dopamine drives brain activity

A specialized MRI sensor reveals the neurotransmitter’s influence on neural activity throughout the brain.

April 1, 2020

MIT engineers have devised a new approach to studying complex diseases such as ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation of the intestines.

Using “organs-on-a-chip” to model complicated diseases

A new approach reveals how different tissues contribute to inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis.

March 18, 2020

MIT researchers have discovered the structure of an unusual enzyme that some microbes use to break down a component of collagen in the human gut.

Bacterial enzyme could become a new target for antibiotics

Scientists discover the structure of an enzyme, found in the human gut, that breaks down a component of collagen.

March 17, 2020

MIT neuroscientists have identified a “landmark code” that helps the brain navigate our surroundings.

How the brain encodes landmarks that help us navigate

Neuroscientists discover how a key brain region combines visual and spatial information to help us find our way.

March 10, 2020

MIT neuroscientists have discovered a brain circuit that appears to contribute to the sensory hypersensitivity often seen in people with autism spectrum disorders.

The neural basis of sensory hypersensitivity

A new study may explain why people with autism are often highly sensitive to light and noise.

March 2, 2020

MIT researchers used a machine-learning algorithm to identify a drug called halicin that kills many strains of bacteria. Halicin (top row) prevented the development of antibiotic resistance in E. coli, while ciprofloxacin (bottom row) did not.

Artificial intelligence yields new antibiotic

A deep-learning model identifies a powerful new drug that can kill many species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

February 20, 2020

This digitally-colorized transmission electron microscopic image depicts the ultrastructural details of an influenza virus particle.

Chemists unveil the structure of an influenza B protein

Findings could help researchers design drugs to treat influenza B infections.

February 3, 2020

A genome-wide analysis has revealed genes that are essential for neuron survival, as well as genes that protect against the effects of Huntington’s disease.

Genetic screen offers new drug targets for Huntington’s disease

Neuroscientists identify genes that modulate the disease’s toxic effects.

January 30, 2020

This sensor can measure blood glucose levels noninvasively by shining near-infrared light through the skin and measuring the chemical composition of the tissue below.

Researchers hope to make needle pricks for diabetics a thing of the past

Study suggests noninvasive spectroscopy could be used to monitor blood glucose levels.

January 24, 2020

MIT engineers demonstrated a bariatric balloon that can be inflated in the stomach and then degraded by shining light on the seal, which is made of a novel light-sensitive polymer.

Ingestible medical devices can be broken down with light

New light-sensitive material could eliminate some of the endoscopic procedures needed to remove gastrointestinal devices.

January 17, 2020

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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