Studying the genetic basis of disease to explore fundamental biological questions
Eliezer Calo’s studies of craniofacial malformations have yielded insight into protein synthesis and embryonic development.
New insights into a hidden process that protects cells from harmful mutations
Research reveals how cells may activate a compensation system that can reduce the effects of harmful genetic mutations. This could inform gene therapy development.
AI to help researchers see the bigger picture in cell biology
By providing holistic information on a cell, an AI-driven method could help scientists better understand disease mechanisms and plan experiments.
Cancer’s secret safety net
Researchers uncover a hidden mechanism that allows cancer to develop aggressive mutations.
RNA editing study finds many ways for neurons to diversify
Tracking how fruit fly motor neurons edit their RNA, neurobiologists cataloged hundreds of target sites and varying editing rates, finding many edits altered communication- and function-related proteins.
Deep-learning model predicts how fruit flies form, cell by cell
The approach could apply to more complex tissues and organs, helping researchers to identify early signs of disease.
MIT researchers find new immunotherapeutic targets for glioblastoma
A study profiling antigens presented on immune and tumor cells in co-culture points to new strategies for attacking a treatment-resistant and deadly brain cancer.
Astrocyte diversity across space and time
A new atlas charts the diversity of an influential cell type in the brains of mice and marmosets.
Alternate proteins from the same gene contribute differently to health and rare disease
New findings may help researchers identify genetic mutations that contribute to rare diseases, by studying when and how single genes produce multiple versions of proteins.
An improved way to detach cells from culture surfaces
The approach could transform large-scale biomanufacturing by enabling automated and contamination-conscious workflows for cell therapies, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
New therapeutic brain implants could defy the need for surgery
MIT researchers created microscopic wireless electronic devices that travel through blood and implant in target brain regions, where they provide electrical stimulation.
A new way to understand and predict gene splicing
The KATMAP model, developed by researchers in the Department of Biology, can predict alternative cell splicing, which allows cells to create endless diversity from the same sets of genetic blueprints.
Designing better, longer-lasting medicines
Adding amino acids to certain protein-based medications can improve stability and effectiveness. New MIT research demonstrates how it works.
In a surprising discovery, scientists find tiny loops in the genomes of dividing cells
Enabled by a new high-resolution mapping technique, the findings overturn a long-held belief that the genome loses its 3D structure when cells divide.
MIT engineers solve the sticky-cell problem in bioreactors and other industries
Their system uses electrochemically generated bubbles to detach cells from surfaces, which could accelerate the growth of carbon-absorbing algae and lifesaving cell therapies.