Scientists discover a new way of sharing genetic information in a common ocean microbe
Prochlorococcus, the world’s most abundant photosynthetic organism, reveals a gene-transfer mechanism that may be key to its abundance and diversity.
Self-assembling proteins can store cellular “memories”
Using these engineered proteins, researchers can record histories that reveal when certain genes are activated or how cells respond to a drug.
New tool can assist with identifying carbohydrate-binding proteins
Groundbreaking research can help alleviate the challenges affiliated with studying carbohydrates.
Silent synapses are abundant in the adult brain
These immature connections may explain how the adult brain is able to form new memories and absorb new information.
Scientists unveil the functional landscape of essential genes
Researchers harness new pooled, image-based screening method to probe the functions of over 5,000 essential genes in human cells.
Ocean microbes get their diet through a surprising mix of sources, study finds
Up to one-third of the carbon consumed by Prochlorococcus may come from sources other than photosynthesis.
Nanosensors target enzymes to monitor and study cancer
By analyzing enzyme activity at the organism, tissue, and cellular scales, new sensors could provide new tools to clinicians and cancer researchers.
A “door” into the mitochondrial membrane
Study finds the protein MTCH2 is responsible for shuttling various other proteins into the membrane of mitochondria. The finding could have implications for cancer treatments and MTCH2-linked conditions.
Cell Rover: Exploring and augmenting the inner world of the cell
MIT researchers demonstrate an intracellular antenna that's compatible with 3D biological systems and can operate wirelessly inside a living cell.
Using machine learning to identify undiagnosable cancers
A new model that maps developmental pathways to tumor cells may unlock the identity of cancers of unknown primary.
New leadership at MIT’s Center for Biomedical Innovation
Stacy Springs named executive director; Richard Braatz is associate faculty director.
Living Lego
Mathematical modeling speeds up the process of programming bacterial systems to self-assemble into desired 2D shapes.
Starfish embryos swim in formation like a “living crystal”
Their swirling, clustering behavior might someday inform the design of self-assembling robotic swarms.
How a shape-shifting receptor influences cell growth
Insight into the way the EGF receptor sends signals into cells could help researchers design new cancer drugs that target this protein.
Better living through multicellular life cycles
Researchers reveal how an algae-eating bacterium solves an environmental engineering challenge.