Slackers and superstars of the microbial workplace
MIT chemical engineers find that yeast engineered to manufacture drugs vary widely in their productivity
Zooming in on cells
New microscopy technique offers close-up, real-time view of how proteins kill bacteria
Ecological balancing act
Phytoplankton diversity depends on balance between competition and the ocean’s physical dynamics, new research suggests
New technique offers a more detailed view of brain activity
‘Cleverly designed' MRI sensors detect dopamine, offering a high-resolution look at what’s happening inside the brain.
Cell-inspired electronics
By mimicking cells, MIT researcher designs electronic circuits for ultra-low-power and biomedical applications.
With $25 million grant, NSF funds center to investigate the creation of biological machines
Headquartered at MIT, the new initiative aims to dramatically advance research in complex biological systems and engage underrepresented minority groups
Engineering a new way to study hepatitis C
Tissue engineers have successfully infected liver cells in the laboratory, allowing a better way to test new drugs.
Mapping the brain
MIT scientists are making computers smart enough to see the connections between the brain's neurons
New ‘nanoburrs’ could help fight heart disease
Targeted nanoparticles can home in on damaged vascular tissue and may be used to deliver drugs that help clear arteries
Y chromosomes evolving rapidly
By comparing human and chimpanzee Y chromosome sequences, Whitehead Institute geneticists show the Y is undergoing swift change.
Human immune cells — in mice
MIT team engineers mice with human immune cells, which could be used to test vaccines for HIV and other diseases.
Nutrient mix shows promise in fighting Alzheimer’s
In clinical trial, new approach developed at MIT improves memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Silencing the brain with light
MIT neuroengineers find a new way to quickly and reversibly shut off neurons with multiple colors of light, which could lead to new treatments for epilepsy and chronic pain.
New and improved RNA interference
Researchers use RNA interference to silence multiple genes at once. The advance, which one expert calls a ‘substantial breakthrough,’ could lead to new treatments for liver diseases.