Chemistry

Researchers at MIT have for the first time identified the structure of class I fumarate hydratase enzyme, which could be a target for drugs combatting diseases prevalent in the developing world.

Targeting neglected diseases

New enzyme-mapping advance could help drug development.

August 15, 2016

Membrane structures in plant xylem from different species are being investigated for use in water filtration.

J-WAFS Solutions program awards $750,000 in commercialization grants

Four new projects and one renewal receive $150,000 in funding for 2016-2017.

August 12, 2016

Researchers designed and tested several types of optical sensors that could be placed at the tip of an epidural needle and determined that the best is one that relies on Raman spectroscopy. This technique, which uses light to measure energy shifts in molecular vibrations, offers detailed information about the chemical composition of tissue.

Needles that hit the right mark

New sensor could help anesthesiologists place needles for epidurals and other medical procedures.

August 11, 2016

Researchers at MIT have developed a new way of making windows that can switch from transparent to opaque using electrochromic materials. Once the glass is switched from clear to dark, or vice versa, the new system requires little to no power to maintain its new state; unlike other materials, it only needs electricity when it’s time to switch back again.

MIT develops self-shading windows

New system can rapidly switch glass from transparent to dark — and keep it that way without power.

August 11, 2016

Clockwise from top left: Cathy Drennan, professor of chemistry and biology at MIT; Squire Booker, a professor of chemistry and of biochemistry and molecular biology at Penn State; Martin McLaughlin ’15; and an image of LipA.

Research by MIT undergrad helps crack chemical mystery

Study finds enzyme “cannibalizes” itself to perform an essential reaction.

August 8, 2016

“My lab’s goal is to really provide molecular insight, using NMR spectroscopy to answer a lot of structural, dynamic, and mechanistic questions” about membrane proteins, says Mei Hong, an MIT professor of chemistry.

Analyzing dynamic proteins

Chemistry professor Mei Hong studies the structures of proteins embedded in cell membranes.

August 8, 2016

Chi Zhang wins Regeneron Prize for Creative Innovation

Established in 2013, the Regeneron Prize is the country’s most prestigious award a graduate student in the field can receive.

July 18, 2016

This image shows microneedles, which are mostly used for the delivery of drugs and vaccines across the skin, and the silicone mold used to make them.

Seeing science

Workshop led by scientist and photographer Felice Frankel teaches researchers how to translate experiments into captivating images.

July 1, 2016

Clockwise from top left: Oliver Jagoutz, Markus Klute, Elizabeth Nolan, Philippe Rigollet, Feng Zhang

Five School of Science faculty members granted tenure

July 1, 2016

MIT researchers have developed low-cost chemical sensors, made from chemically altered carbon nanotubes, that enable a smartphone or other wireless devices to detect trace amounts of toxic gases.

Wireless, wearable toxic-gas detector

Inexpensive sensors could be worn by soldiers to detect hazardous chemical agents.

June 30, 2016

Eight from MIT awarded 2016 Fulbright grants

Grantees will spend the 2016-2017 academic year conducting research abroad.

June 16, 2016

Klaus Biemann, professor emeritus of chemistry, dies at 89

Regarded as the father of organic mass spectrometry, longtime MIT professor solved many problems in protein structure.

June 9, 2016

A research team led by MIT chemistry professor Mohammad Movassaghi has developed a strategy for synthesizing a group of compounds called communesins, which occur naturally in some fungi. Researchers may now be able to further investigate the compounds’ cancer-fighting abilities. Pictured is an image of penicillium fungus.

A new approach to chemical synthesis

Communesins, originally found in fungus, could hold potential as cancer drugs.

June 7, 2016

DOD seal. Center contains an eagle against a blue background. Perimeter says "Department of Defense; United States of America."

Thirteen MIT students awarded National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowships

Honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated ability and special aptitude for advanced training in science and engineering.

May 26, 2016

J-WAFS' 2015 grantees present their ongoing research at the poster session of the J-WAFS Food and Water Conference, held April 27-28 at MIT.

J-WAFS awards $1.3 million in second round of seed grant funding

Principal investigators will receive grants of up to $100,000 per year for up to two years for innovative research on food and water challenges.

May 18, 2016

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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