A new way to control microbial metabolism
Chemical engineers program bacteria to switch between different metabolic pathways, boosting their yield of desirable products.
Scientists look to synthetic biology and 3-D printing for life support in space
Do-it-yourself bio and maker communities can help NASA meet needs of long-distance missions.
Celebrating a curious mind: Steven Keating 1988-2019
Steven Keating SM'12, PhD '16 inspired millions with his research-driven approach to battling cancer and his advocacy for open patient health data.
A “biomultimeter” lets scientists measure RNA and protein production in real-time
Fluorescent tagging system can expedite the process of designing genes and personalizing medicine.
Taming “information hazards” in synthetic biology research
Cryptography techniques to screen synthetic DNA could help prevent the creation of dangerous pathogens, argues Professor Kevin Esvelt.
Startup aims to democratize synthetic biology
Alumna’s mini-lab kits include all necessary tools and materials for anyone to start engineering microbes.
Artificial antimicrobial peptides could help overcome drug-resistant bacteria
With aid of computer algorithm, researchers develop peptides more powerful than those found in nature.
Timothy Lu seeks to combat disease by reprogramming biological systems
Synthetic biologist hopes to develop treatments for cancer and other diseases.
Reading and writing DNA
Department of Biology kicks off IAP seminar series with a lecture by synthetic-biology visionary George Church.
Engineers 3-D print a “living tattoo”
New technique 3-D prints programmed cells into living devices for first time.
Gene circuit switches on inside cancer cells, triggers immune attack
Advance may open new pathways for cancer immunotherapy.
The Engine announces investments in first group of startups
New venture launched by MIT will support “tough-tech” companies at work on transformative ideas that take time to commercialize.
New way to test antibiotics could lead to better drugs
Study finds bacterial response to drugs varies in different environments.
A rose by any other name would smell as yeast
Emily Havens Greenhagen ’05 leads a team of scientists brewing perfume from yeast.
Endowing cells with new abilities
PhD student Fahim Farzadfard engineers cells to record “memories” of past events.