New CRISPR tool opens up more of the genome for editing
Enzyme can target almost half of the genome’s “ZIP codes” and could enable editing of many more disease-specific mutations.
This RNA-based technique could make gene therapy more effective
Biological engineers design RNA circuits that enable precise control over the dose of therapeutic protein a patient receives.
Taming “information hazards” in synthetic biology research
Cryptography techniques to screen synthetic DNA could help prevent the creation of dangerous pathogens, argues Professor Kevin Esvelt.
Detangling DNA replication
Researchers identify an essential protein that helps enzymes relax overtwisted DNA so each strand can be copied during cell division.
Tissue architecture affects chromosome segregation
Biologists discover that the environment surrounding a cell plays an integral role in its ability to accurately segregate its chromosomes.
Ankur Jain joins Whitehead Institute and the Department of Biology
Biophysicist will investigate the biology of RNA aggregation.
Decoding RNA-protein interactions
Scientists leverage one step, unbiased method to characterize the binding preferences of more than 70 human RNA-binding proteins.
Countering mitochondrial stress
Scientists discover a pathway that monitors a protein import into mitochondria and elicits a cellular response when the process goes awry.
Scientists find different cell types contain the same enzyme ratios
New discovery suggests that all life may share a common design principle.
Timothy Lu seeks to combat disease by reprogramming biological systems
Synthetic biologist hopes to develop treatments for cancer and other diseases.
Scientists deliver high-resolution glimpse of enzyme structure
New finding suggests differences in how humans and bacteria control production of DNA’s building blocks.
Researchers advance CRISPR-based tool for diagnosing disease
With SHERLOCK, a strip of paper can now indicate presence of pathogens, tumor DNA, or any genetic signature of interest.
Study: Fragile X syndrome neurons can be restored
Whitehead Institute researchers are using a modified CRISPR/Cas9-guided activation strategy to investigate the most frequent cause of intellectual disability in males.
Reading and writing DNA
Department of Biology kicks off IAP seminar series with a lecture by synthetic-biology visionary George Church.