A new way to determine whether a species will successfully invade an ecosystem
MIT physicists develop a predictive formula, based on bacterial communities, that may also apply to other types of ecosystems, including the human GI tract.
An abundant phytoplankton feeds a global network of marine microbes
New findings illuminate how Prochlorococcus’ nightly “cross-feeding” plays a role in regulating the ocean’s capacity to cycle and store carbon.
Bacteria in the human gut rarely update their CRISPR defense systems
A new study of the microbiome finds intestinal bacterial interact much less often with viruses that trigger immunity updates than bacteria in the lab.
Killing the messenger
A newly characterized anti-viral defense system in bacteria aborts infection through a novel mechanism by chemically altering mRNA.
MIT engineers find a way to protect microbes from extreme conditions
By helping microbes withstand industrial processing, the method could make it easier to harness the benefits of microorganisms used as medicines and in agriculture.
Advancing technology for aquaculture
MIT Sea Grant students apply machine learning to support local aquaculture hatcheries.
When an antibiotic fails: MIT scientists are using AI to target “sleeper” bacteria
Most antibiotics target metabolically active bacteria, but with artificial intelligence, researchers can efficiently screen compounds that are lethal to dormant microbes.
A protein found in human sweat may protect against Lyme disease
Researchers also found that a variant of the protein is not as protective against the bacteria and increases susceptibility to the disease.
Turning history of science into a comic adventure
Associate Professor Lydia Bourouiba and artist Argha Manna take readers through a series of discoveries in infectious disease.
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.
Microbes could help reduce the need for chemical fertilizers
New coating protects nitrogen-fixing bacteria from heat and humidity, which could allow them to be deployed for large-scale agricultural use.
Smart pill can track key biological markers in real-time
Coupling engineered bacteria with low-power electronics could be highly effective in diagnosis, treatment of bowel diseases.
Technologies for water conservation and treatment move closer to commercialization
J-WAFS awards 2023 Solutions Grants to bring two water-related innovations to the market.
Tiny magnetic beads produce an optical signal that could be used to quickly detect pathogens
The findings point to faster way to detect bacteria in food, water, and clinical samples.
Newly discovered bacterial communication system aids antimicrobial resistance
SMART researchers find the enzyme RlmN, which directly senses chemical and environmental stresses, can be targeted in drug development.