Making sense of cell fate
MIT researchers find timing and dosage of DNA-damaging drugs are key to whether a cancer cell dies or enters senescence.
Department
Biology
Brady Weissbourd named Klingenstein-Simons Fellow
Three-year fellowship will support Weissbourd’s research on how the C. hemisphaerica jellyfish survives and thrives by constantly making new neurons.
Probe expands understanding of oral cavity homeostasis
A new approach opens the door to a greater understanding of protein-microbe interactions.
It takes three to tango: transcription factors bind DNA, protein, and RNA
Whitehead Institute researchers find many transcription factors bind RNA, which fine-tunes their regulation of gene expression, suggesting new therapeutic opportunities.
Focus on function helps identify the changes that made us human
A new approach for identifying significant differences in gene use between closely-related species provides insights into human evolution.
Andrea Lo ’21 draws on ecological lessons for life, work, and education
With a minor in literature and environmental sustainability, the biology alumna considers perspectives from Charles Darwin to Annie Dillard.
QS ranks MIT the world’s No. 1 university for 2023-24
Ranking at the top for the 12th year in a row, the Institute also places first in 11 subject areas.
Without a key extracellular protein, neuronal axons break and synaptic connections fall apart
Scientists find a protein common to flies and people is essential for supporting the structure of axons that neurons project to make circuit connections.
Studying phages far from home
Biology graduate student Tong Zhang has spent the last two years learning the intricacies of how bacteria protect themselves.
Inaugural symposium draws diverse science, underrepresented voices to MIT
Catalyst Symposium is part of an effort to bring outstanding postdocs from underrepresented backgrounds in science to engage with MIT community members.
Bringing the social and ethical responsibilities of computing to the forefront
The inaugural SERC Symposium convened experts from multiple disciplines to explore the challenges and opportunities that arise with the broad applicability of computing in many aspects of society.
Exploring the links between diet and cancer
Omer Yilmaz’s work on how diet influences intestinal stem cells could lead to new ways to treat or prevent gastrointestinal cancers.
MIT community members who work to eradicate sexual violence recognized at 2023 Change-Maker Awards
Violence Prevention and Response and the Institute Discrimination and Harassment Response Office celebrate students and employees for their efforts in combating sexual misconduct.
3 Questions: A new model of nervous system form, function, and evolution
Developing a new neuroscience model is no small feat. New faculty member Brady Weissbourd has risen to the challenge in order to study nervous system evolution, development, regeneration, and function.
3 Questions: Sara Prescott on the brain-body connection
New MIT faculty member investigates how sensory input from within the body controls mammalian physiology and behavior.