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.”
Department
Biology
LEAH Knox Scholars Program kicks off fourth summer
The science program for local high school students is remote this year, as MIT instructors create at-home lab experiences.
Flatworms muscle new eyes' wiring into their brains
Peter Reddien's lab at the Whitehead Institute takes a step forward in understanding how neural circuits could be regenerated in adults.
Twelve MIT faculty honored as “Committed to Caring” for 2020-2021
Honor recognizes faculty mentors who devote true attention to students’ well-being.
Learning during lockdown
Whether seeking a career change or rediscovering intellectual pursuits, learners worldwide turn to MITx courses.
Biology community holds daylong program to address diversity and inclusion
In honor of #ShutDownSTEM, students, faculty, and staff facilitated virtual discussions to understand and combat anti-Black racism in academia.
How cancer drugs find their targets
Certain cancer therapeutics concentrate within cells — a finding that could change the way scientists think about drug design.
Like a treasure map, brain region emphasizes reward location
The lateral septum encodes spatial information with a special emphasis on where the reward lies.
Unlocking the secrets of a plastic-eater
Graduate student Linda Zhong and professor of biology Anthony Sinskey are studying the plastic-devouring enzyme PETase as a way to improve recycling.
3 Questions: Seychelle Vos on detangling DNA
An unconventional geneticist uses cryogenic electron microscopy and crystallography to understand gene expression and cell fate.
A Ticketmaster for science seminars
Despite physical isolation, MIT mathematicians build one-stop portal to online talks around the world.
Six from MIT awarded research funding to address Covid-19
Multi-institutional MassCPR initiative announces more than $16.5 million to support 62 Boston-area projects.
Marshaling artificial intelligence in the fight against Covid-19
The MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab is funding 10 research projects aimed at addressing the health and economic consequences of the pandemic.
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.
Third annual Science Slam becomes first virtual Research Slam
Nine biology alumni had just three minutes and one slide to awe the audience and judges.