3 Questions: Nancy Hopkins on improving gender equality in academia
Molecular biologist and professor emerita advocates for more inclusive science and advises how to get there.
Department
Biology
Ibrahim Cissé, Ruth Lehmann, and Silvi Rouskin awarded 2021 Vilcek Prize
Prize recognizes contributions to biomedical research made by immigrant scientists.
School of Science appoints 12 faculty members to named professorships
Those selected for these positions receive additional support to pursue their research and develop their careers.
Covid-19 scientific leaders share expertise in new MIT class
MIT course on the Covid-19 pandemic, available to the public online, brings together top experts to educate students on up-to-date science.
School of Science grows by 10
Joining the School of Science, 10 faculty members expand the departments of Biology; Chemistry; Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences; Mathematics; and Physics.
New gene regulation model provides insight into brain development
A well-known protein family binds to many more RNA sequences than previously thought in order to help neurons grow.
Scientists discover new rules about “runaway” transcription
Findings related to bacterial gene expression overturn fundamental assumptions about basic biological pathways.
Study suggests animals think probabilistically to distinguish contexts
New statistical model may help scientists understand how animals infer whether surroundings are novel or haven’t changed enough to be a new context.
SMART research enhances dengue vaccination in mice
Sequential immunization might be safer and more effective than the existing tetravalent vaccine.
Proteins — and labs — coming together to prevent Rett syndrome
Disruption of condensates in the neurodevelopmental disorder provides insights into how cells compartmentalize chromosomes, as well as new potential therapies.
3 Questions: Jonathan King on the future of nuclear weapons testing
Professor of biology discusses a scientist’s responsibility to speak out about important issues that affect our nation and the world.
Bringing RNA into genomics
ENCODE consortium identifies RNA sequences that are involved in regulating gene expression.
Gene-controlling mechanisms play key role in cancer progression
Study finds “epigenomic” alterations evolve as lung tumors become more aggressive and metastasize.
3 Questions: Ibrahim Cissé on using physics to decipher biology
A physicist employs super-resolution microscopy to peer inside living cells and witness never-before-seen phenomena.
Seemingly similar, two neurons show distinct styles as they interact with the same muscle partner
Diversity in how cells talk to the muscle they innervate reveal distinct propensities for change, or “plasticity.”