River erosion can shape fish evolution, study suggests
The new findings could explain biodiversity hotspots in tectonically quiet regions.
3 Questions: A new model of nervous system form, function, and evolution
Developing a new neuroscience model is no small feat. New faculty member Brady Weissbourd has risen to the challenge in order to study nervous system evolution, development, regeneration, and function.
Like ancient mariners, ancestors of Prochlorococcus microbes rode out to sea on exoskeleton particles
A new study shows the carbon-capturing phytoplankton colonized the ocean by rafting on particles of chitin.
Scientists track evolution of microbes on the skin’s surface
A new analysis reveals how Staphylococcus aureus gains mutations that allow it to colonize eczema patches.
Scientists uncover the amazing way sandgrouse hold water in their feathers
The structure of the desert birds’ belly feathers enables males to carry water over long distances to their chicks.
Brandon Ogbunu is a radical collaborator
MLK Visiting Professor tries to “maximize connection time” while studying protein evolution.
Scientists discover a new way of sharing genetic information in a common ocean microbe
Prochlorococcus, the world’s most abundant photosynthetic organism, reveals a gene-transfer mechanism that may be key to its abundance and diversity.
In search of the principles of life
Associate Professor Otto Cordero is looking for the fundamental constraints that shape microbial ecosystems.
A “door” into the mitochondrial membrane
Study finds the protein MTCH2 is responsible for shuttling various other proteins into the membrane of mitochondria. The finding could have implications for cancer treatments and MTCH2-linked conditions.
Microbes and minerals may have set off Earth’s oxygenation
Scientists propose a new mechanism by which oxygen may have first built up in the atmosphere
An “oracle” for predicting the evolution of gene regulation
Researchers create a mathematical framework to examine the genome and detect signatures of natural selection, deciphering the evolutionary past and future of non-coding DNA.
The promise and pitfalls of artificial intelligence explored at TEDxMIT event
MIT scientists discuss the future of AI with applications across many sectors, as a tool that can be both beneficial and harmful.
Speeding up directed evolution of molecules in the lab
Using a new robotic platform, researchers can simultaneously track hundreds of microbial populations as they evolve new proteins or other molecules.
Study finds a striking difference between neurons of humans and other mammals
Human neurons have fewer ion channels, which might have allowed the human brain to divert energy to other neural processes.
At MIT, Nobel laureate Frances Arnold describes innovation by evolution
In the Hoyt C. Hottel Lecture, Arnold tells the story of her pathbreaking research to engineer better enzymes for critical applications.