Regulating the regulators
Tiny microRNAs help destroy unwanted messenger RNAs in cells. New research finds how the body keeps them in check.
Rapid test for Covid-19 shows improved sensitivity
A CRISPR-based test developed at MIT and the Broad Institute can detect nearly as many cases as the standard Covid-19 diagnostic.
New molecular therapeutics center established at MIT's McGovern Institute
Collaborative research center funded by Lisa Yang and Hock Tan ’75 blends engineering and neuroscience to advance molecular tools for treating brain disorders.
Nature-inspired CRISPR enzymes for expansive genome editing
Applied computational biology discoveries vastly expand the range of CRISPR’s access to DNA sequences.
SHERLOCK-based one-step test provides rapid and sensitive Covid-19 detection
New CRISPR-based research tool delivers results in an hour; researchers share protocol and kits to advance research and move toward clinical validation.
CRISPR-based diagnostic chips perform thousands of tests simultaneously to detect viruses
Diagnostic platform CARMEN combines microfluidics with CRISPR-based detection technology SHERLOCK, and could one day be used for public health efforts.
Pioneering researcher Jonathan Weissman joins Whitehead Institute and MIT
Globally respected cell biologist will be the Whitehead Institute’s inaugural Landon T. Clay Professor of Biology and a professor of biology at MIT.
Genetic screen offers new drug targets for Huntington’s disease
Neuroscientists identify genes that modulate the disease’s toxic effects.
Putting a finger on the switch of a chronic parasite infection
Researchers find master regulator needed for Toxoplasma gondii parasite to chronically infect host; promising step toward infection treatment, prevention.
American Physical Society honors three MIT professors for physics research
James Collins, Pablo Jarillo-Herrero, and Richard Milner have won top prizes for their work.
Using CRISPR to program gels with new functions
Smart materials change properties in response to specific DNA sequences; could be used in a variety of devices.
High-precision technique stores cellular “memory” in DNA
Engineers program human and bacterial cells to keep a record of complex molecular events.
Speeding up drug discovery for brain diseases
Whitehead Institute team finds drugs that activate a key brain gene; initial tests in cells and mice show promise for rare, untreatable neurodevelopmental disorder.
New CRISPR platform expands RNA editing capabilities
The new system, dubbed RESCUE, allows RNA edits to be made that were not previously possible.
Using gene editing, neuroscientists develop a new model for autism
By introducing a gene variant associated with autism into monkeys, researchers hope to study treatment options for severe neurodevelopmental disorders.