Boston 25 reporter Drew Karedes spotlights how MIT researchers developed a new test for identifying Covid-19 that could potentially be used at home. “One of our goals is to allow people to figure out if they have the virus in a safe environment, such as their own home,” explains Prof. Feng Zhang.
Boston Globe reporter David Abel writes that researchers from MIT, Biobot Analytics (an MIT startup) and other institutions have found that samples from wastewater treatment plants could provide insights into the spread of Covid-19 in specific areas.
MIT researchers have developed a new Covid-19 diagnostic test using CRISPR that “gives results as simply as a pregnancy test does,” reports Carl Zimmer for The New York Times. “We’re excited that this could be a solution that people won’t have to rely on a sophisticated and expensive laboratory to run,” says Prof. Feng Zhang.
Gizmodo reporter Ryan Mandelbaum writes that MIT researchers have found that single-celled organisms can survive in atmospheres similar to what may be present on many exoplanets. “This should open up—continue to push—astronomers on what kinds of planets might be habitable,” says Prof. Sara Seager.
STAT reporter Sharon Begley writes that MIT researchers have used CRISPR to develop a rapid diagnostic for Covid-19. “It’s inexpensive, does not require a lab, and can return results within an hour using a paper strip, not unlike a pregnancy test,” explains Prof. Feng Zhang. “This helps address the urgent need for widespread, accurate, inexpensive, and accessible Covid-19 testing.”
Dr. Francis Collins, director of the NIH, spotlights a study by MIT researchers that characterizes the cells targeted by Covid-19. The findings, “might ultimately help to explain why some people are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 than others, and how exactly to target the virus with drugs, immunotherapies, and vaccines," writes Collins.
Inside Science reporter Charles Q. Choi writes that a new study by MIT researchers finds that microbes “can survive and grow in 100% hydrogen atmospheres, suggesting life could potentially evolve on a much broader range of alien worlds than is often considered.”
Boston Globe reporter Jonathan Saltzman spotlights how Institute Prof. Robert Langer, a “prolific” inventor, has mobilized his research efforts towards tackling the Covid-19 pandemic. Saltzman writes that Langer “is the common denominator in a wide range of efforts to fight Covid-19.”
Research scientist Michael Person speaks with Boston Globe reporter Caroline Enos about the Eta Aquarid meteor shower. “The night sky provides a myriad of lovely sights beyond just these two, and I encourage everyone to attempt to become more familiar them and reconnect with the sky just above their heads,” says Person.
A study co-authored by MIT researchers finds that “money in the first round of the Paycheck Protection Program didn't get to the areas of the country most impacted by the coronavirus,” reports Stephen Gandel for CBS News.
The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board highlights a working paper by MIT researchers that provides evidence that targeted lockdowns aimed at protecting those most vulnerable to Covid-19 would be best for both public health and the economy. The researchers found that, “a targeted lockdown aimed at seniors combined with other policies like social distancing will reduce the death rate by more.”
A team of MIT students hosted the “Africa Takes on Covid-19” virtual hackathon, which brought together participants from around the world to “create tech driven solutions to address the most critical unmet needs caused by the Covid-19 outbreak across the continent,” reports Claude Grunitzky for True Africa.
Prof. Guoping Feng speaks with STAT reporter Shraddha Chakradhar about how he and his colleagues have developed a new non-invasive technique for manipulating neurons in the brain. “It’s like deep brain stimulation,” says Feng. “But you have a lot more control over neuronal activity.”
Prof. Gregory Rutledge speaks with Wall Street Journal reporters Austen Hufford and Mark Maremont about his work testing the effectiveness of different respirator masks. “There are some good masks out there, but not all are as advertised,” says Rutledge.
Straits Times reporter Audrey Tan writes that researchers from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) are developing a new diagnostic tool for Covid-19 that could yield results in 10 minutes. The test is, “made of paper coated with molecules that ‘recognise’ Sars-CoV-2,” writes Tan. “If the viral proteins are detected, the paper strip changes from white to blue.”