MIT’s top research stories of 2023
A cheaper water desalination device, a wearable ultrasound scanner, and a new kind of supercapacitor were some of MIT News’ most popular articles.
Search Stories
How a mutation in microglia elevates Alzheimer’s risk
A new study finds that microglia with mutant TREM2 protein reduce brain circuit connections, promote inflammation, and contribute to Alzheimer’s pathology in other ways.
Search algorithm reveals nearly 200 new kinds of CRISPR systems
By analyzing bacterial data, researchers have discovered thousands of rare new CRISPR systems that have a range of functions and could enable gene editing, diagnostics, and more.
Thousands of programmable DNA-cutters found in algae, snails, and other organisms
New research finds RNA-guided enzymes called Fanzors are widespread among eukaryotic organisms.
Focus on function helps identify the changes that made us human
A new approach for identifying significant differences in gene use between closely-related species provides insights into human evolution.
Researchers uncover a new CRISPR-like system in animals that can edit the human genome
The first RNA-guided DNA-cutting enzyme found in eukaryotes, Fanzor could one day be harnessed to edit DNA more precisely than CRISPR/Cas systems.
Daniel Anderson receives 2023 Wilhelm Exner Medal
Award honors researchers who “have had a direct impact on business and industry through their scientific achievements and contributions.”
3 Questions: A new model of nervous system form, function, and evolution
Developing a new neuroscience model is no small feat. New faculty member Brady Weissbourd has risen to the challenge in order to study nervous system evolution, development, regeneration, and function.
Gene-editing technique could speed up study of cancer mutations
With the new method, scientists can explore many cancer mutations whose roles are unknown, helping them develop new drugs that target those mutations.
A simple paper test could offer early cancer diagnosis
The new diagnostic, which is based on analysis of urine samples, could also be designed to reveal whether a tumor has metastasized.
Funding to Daniel Anderson’s lab will advance research on new delivery technology for RNA vaccines and therapies
The global health care company Sanofi is providing $25 million to advance RNA research.
New nanoparticles can perform gene editing in the lungs
Using these RNA-delivery particles, researchers hope to develop new treatments for cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases.
A new control switch could make RNA therapies easier to program
Using this approach, researchers hope to deliver therapeutic RNA molecules selectively to cancer cells or other target cells.
3 Questions: Cullen Buie on a new era for cell therapies
The associate professor of MechE reflects on how his company, Kytopen, has grown and shifted focus in developing safer immunotherapies.
MIT’s top research stories of 2022
Popular stories this year covered the detection of radio signals from space, a new battery design, immigrants’ entrepreneurial activity, and more.