Study: High-fat diets make liver cells more likely to become cancerous
New research suggests liver cells exposed to too much fat revert to an immature state that is more susceptible to cancer-causing mutations.
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.
MIT study shows how vision can be rebooted in adults with amblyopia
Temporarily anesthetizing the retina briefly reverts the activity of the visual system to that observed in early development and enables growth of responses to the amblyopic (“lazy”) eye.
Too sick to socialize: How the brain and immune system promote staying in bed
MIT researchers discover how an immune system molecule triggers neurons to shut down social behavior in mice modeling infection.
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.
MIT study finds targets for a new tuberculosis vaccine
Using these antigens, researchers plan to develop vaccine candidates that they hope would stimulate a strong immune response against the world’s deadliest pathogen.
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.
Five with MIT ties elected to National Academy of Medicine for 2025
Professors Facundo Batista and Dina Katabi, along with three additional MIT alumni, are honored for their outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service.
Helping scientists run complex data analyses without writing code
Co-founded by an MIT alumnus, Watershed Bio offers researchers who aren’t software engineers a way to run large-scale analyses to accelerate biology.
New MIT initiative seeks to transform rare brain disorders research
The Rare Brain Disorders Nexus aims to accelerate the development of novel therapies for a spectrum of uncommon brain diseases.
AI maps how a new antibiotic targets gut bacteria
MIT CSAIL and McMaster researchers used a generative AI model to reveal how a narrow-spectrum antibiotic attacks disease-causing bacteria, speeding up a process that normally takes years.
Study shows mucus contains molecules that block Salmonella infection
MIT researchers now hope to develop synthetic versions of these molecules, which could be used to treat or prevent foodborne illnesses.
Inflammation jolts “sleeping” cancer cells awake, enabling them to multiply again
Chemotherapy-induced injury of organ tissue causes inflammation that awakens dormant cancer cells, which may cause new tumors to form.
New RNA tool to advance cancer and infectious disease research and treatment
Advance from SMART will help to better identify disease markers and develop targeted therapies and personalized treatment for diseases such as cancer and antibiotic-resistant infection.
Technology originating at MIT leads to approved bladder cancer treatment
A system conceived in Professor Michael Cima’s lab was approved by the Food and Drug Administration after positive results in patients.