Matthew Shoulders named head of the Department of Chemistry
A leading researcher in protein folding biochemistry and next-generation protein engineering techniques will advance chemistry research and education.
Department
Chemistry
Chemists create red fluorescent dyes that may enable clearer biomedical imaging
The new dyes are based on boron-containing molecules that were previously too unstable for practical use.
This MIT spinout is taking biomolecule storage out of the freezer
Cache DNA has developed technologies that can preserve biomolecules at room temperature to make storing and transporting samples less expensive and more reliable.
“Bottlebrush” particles deliver big chemotherapy payloads directly to cancer cells
Outfitted with antibodies that guide them to the tumor site, the new nanoparticles could reduce the side effects of treatment.
A boost for the precision of genome editing
Researchers develop a fast-acting, cell-permeable protein system to control CRISPR-Cas9, reducing off-target effects and advancing gene therapy.
AI helps chemists develop tougher plastics
Researchers created polymers that are more resistant to tearing by incorporating stress-responsive molecules identified by a machine-learning model.
New machine-learning application to help researchers predict chemical properties
ChemXploreML makes advanced chemical predictions easier and faster — without requiring deep programming skills.
New AI system uncovers hidden cell subtypes, boosts precision medicine
CellLENS reveals hidden patterns in cell behavior within tissues, offering deeper insights into cell heterogeneity — vital for advancing cancer immunotherapy.
MIT chemists boost the efficiency of a key enzyme in photosynthesis
The enzyme, known as rubisco, helps plants and photosynthetic bacteria incorporate carbon dioxide into sugars.
Inspiring student growth
Professors Xiao Wang and Rodrigo Verdi are honored as “Committed to Caring.”
Four from MIT named 2025 Goldwater Scholars
Rising seniors Avani Ahuja, Julianna Lian, Jacqueline Prawira, and Alex Tang are honored for their academic achievements.
QS ranks MIT the world’s No. 1 university for 2025-26
Ranking at the top for the 14th year in a row, the Institute also places first in 11 subject areas.
Eight with MIT ties win 2025 Hertz Foundation Fellowships
The fellowships recognize doctoral students who have “the extraordinary creativity and principled leadership necessary to tackle problems others can’t solve.”
Using AI to explore the 3D structure of the genome
Two meters of DNA is crammed into the nucleus of every human cell. Bin Zhang wants to know how gene expression works in this minuscule space.
New molecular label could lead to simpler, faster tuberculosis tests
MIT chemists found a way to identify a complex sugar molecule in the cell walls of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the world’s deadliest pathogen.