Topic
Evolution
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Surviving one of Earth’s most extreme environments
New research finds a unique component of cell membranes in an archaea species conveys protection against acidic surroundings.
December 14, 2018 -
Collaboration to expand the study of microbial oceanography
Simons Foundation-backed CBIOMES brings together researchers in oceanography, statistics, data science, ecology, biogeochemistry, and remote sensing.
July 10, 2018 -
Jeff Gore: A physicist exploring population dynamics of microbes
MIT professor sees many “big, deep questions in biology” that benefit from study by both physicists and life scientists.
May 14, 2018 -
With The Herman Project, home bakers become citizen scientists
Network tracks the evolution of microbial communities in sourdough starter mixtures shared around the world.
April 12, 2018 -
Determining the timing of methanogen evolution
Scientists conclude methane-producing microbes date back 3.5 billion years, supporting the hypothesis that they could have contributed to early global warming.
April 4, 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 -
New type of virus found in the ocean
The unusual characteristics of these abundant, bacteria-killing viruses could lead to evolutionary insights.
January 24, 2018 -
Biochemists discover mechanism that helps flu viruses evolve
Influenza viruses can hijack host cellular machinery to help mutated viral proteins fold and function.
September 26, 2017 -
Technique spots warning signs of extreme events
Method may help predict hotspots of instability affecting climate, aircraft performance, and ocean circulation.
September 22, 2017 -
A genomic take on geobiology
Researchers in Greg Fournier’s geobiology lab are seeking to calibrate the ancient history of life on Earth using genomic analysis.
June 5, 2017 -
Zika virus likely circulated in Americas long before its detection
Analysis of largest collection of Zika genomes to date reveals trajectory and evolution of the virus.
May 24, 2017 -
Entering the animal world
In a history seminar, engineering students explore shifting ideas about animal intelligence and human uses of animals throughout the ages.
May 19, 2017 -
Darwin visits Wall Street
Andrew Lo’s new book urges a rethink of financial markets, along evolutionary lines.
May 17, 2017 -
Tracking the spread of bird flu
Asian flu strains can enter North America through Alaska, study finds.
March 17, 2017 -
Study suggests complex life was present on Earth 2.33 billion years ago
New estimate predates earliest fossil evidence by 800 million years.
March 6, 2017 -
New study sets oxygen-breathing limit for ocean’s hardiest organisms
Bacteria can survive in marine environments that are almost completely starved of oxygen.
December 19, 2016 -
"Song of the Human": An origin story
New work by composer Pete M. Wyer draws inspiration from MIT linguistic scholar Shigeru Miyagawa's hypothesis on the origins of human language.
December 13, 2016 -
3Q: Historian Harriet Ritvo on what it means to be "wild"
Scientists, social scientists, and humanists heed the call of the wild at MIT workshop.
November 4, 2016 -
Retracing the origins of a massive, multi-ring crater
Scientists reconstruct first hours after a giant impact created one of the largest craters on the moon.
October 27, 2016 -
Gregory Stephanopoulos receives Samson Prize for Innovation in Alternative Fuels
Metabolic engineering pioneer recognized for his work in the engineering of microbes for biofuels production.
October 19, 2016