Topic
DNA
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New CRISPR tool opens up more of the genome for editing
Enzyme can target almost half of the genome’s “ZIP codes” and could enable editing of many more disease-specific mutations.
October 24, 2018 -
This RNA-based technique could make gene therapy more effective
Biological engineers design RNA circuits that enable precise control over the dose of therapeutic protein a patient receives.
October 16, 2018 -
Taming “information hazards” in synthetic biology research
Cryptography techniques to screen synthetic DNA could help prevent the creation of dangerous pathogens, argues Professor Kevin Esvelt.
October 4, 2018 -
Detangling DNA replication
Researchers identify an essential protein that helps enzymes relax overtwisted DNA so each strand can be copied during cell division.
September 17, 2018 -
Tissue architecture affects chromosome segregation
Biologists discover that the environment surrounding a cell plays an integral role in its ability to accurately segregate its chromosomes.
August 23, 2018 -
Ankur Jain joins Whitehead Institute and the Department of Biology
Biophysicist will investigate the biology of RNA aggregation.
June 11, 2018 -
Decoding RNA-protein interactions
Scientists leverage one step, unbiased method to characterize the binding preferences of more than 70 human RNA-binding proteins.
June 7, 2018 -
Untangling DNA knots
Chemical engineers discover how to control knots that form in DNA molecules.
May 3, 2018 -
Countering mitochondrial stress
Scientists discover a pathway that monitors a protein import into mitochondria and elicits a cellular response when the process goes awry.
April 13, 2018 -
Scientists find different cell types contain the same enzyme ratios
New discovery suggests that all life may share a common design principle.
March 29, 2018 -
Timothy Lu seeks to combat disease by reprogramming biological systems
Synthetic biologist hopes to develop treatments for cancer and other diseases.
March 4, 2018 -
Scientists deliver high-resolution glimpse of enzyme structure
New finding suggests differences in how humans and bacteria control production of DNA’s building blocks.
February 20, 2018 -
Researchers advance CRISPR-based tool for diagnosing disease
With SHERLOCK, a strip of paper can now indicate presence of pathogens, tumor DNA, or any genetic signature of interest.
February 15, 2018 -
Study: Fragile X syndrome neurons can be restored
Whitehead Institute researchers are using a modified CRISPR/Cas9-guided activation strategy to investigate the most frequent cause of intellectual disability in males.
February 15, 2018 -
Reading and writing DNA
Department of Biology kicks off IAP seminar series with a lecture by synthetic-biology visionary George Church.
January 31, 2018 -
How some facial malformations arise
Study explains why mutations that would seemingly affect all cells lead to face-specific birth defects.
January 24, 2018 -
New techniques give blood biopsies greater promise
Improved methods validate the use of blood samples for studying patients’ cancer genomes.
November 6, 2017 -
Researchers engineer CRISPR to edit single RNA letters in human cells
“REPAIR” system edits RNA, rather than DNA; has potential to treat diseases without permanently affecting the genome.
October 25, 2017 -
Gene circuit switches on inside cancer cells, triggers immune attack
Advance may open new pathways for cancer immunotherapy.
October 19, 2017 -
New technique scours the genome for genes that combat disease
Biological engineers identify genes that protect against protein linked to Parkinson’s disease.
October 12, 2017