A causal theory for studying the cause-and-effect relationships of genes
By sidestepping the need for costly interventions, a new method could potentially reveal gene regulatory programs, paving the way for targeted treatments.
Search algorithm reveals nearly 200 new kinds of CRISPR systems
By analyzing bacterial data, researchers have discovered thousands of rare new CRISPR systems that have a range of functions and could enable gene editing, diagnostics, and more.
Thousands of programmable DNA-cutters found in algae, snails, and other organisms
New research finds RNA-guided enzymes called Fanzors are widespread among eukaryotic organisms.
A more effective experimental design for engineering a cell into a new state
By focusing on causal relationships in genome regulation, a new AI method could help scientists identify new immunotherapy techniques or regenerative therapies.
Smart pill can track key biological markers in real-time
Coupling engineered bacteria with low-power electronics could be highly effective in diagnosis, treatment of bowel diseases.
Researchers uncover a new CRISPR-like system in animals that can edit the human genome
The first RNA-guided DNA-cutting enzyme found in eukaryotes, Fanzor could one day be harnessed to edit DNA more precisely than CRISPR/Cas systems.
Christopher Voigt named head of the Department of Biological Engineering
Synthetic biology expert to succeed Angela Belcher as department head effective Aug. 1.
Inaugural J-WAFS Grand Challenge aims to develop enhanced crop variants and move them from lab to land
Matt Shoulders will lead an interdisciplinary team to improve RuBisCO — the photosynthesis enzyme thought to be the holy grail for improving agricultural yield.
3 Questions: Cullen Buie on a new era for cell therapies
The associate professor of MechE reflects on how his company, Kytopen, has grown and shifted focus in developing safer immunotherapies.
New leadership at MIT’s Center for Biomedical Innovation
Stacy Springs named executive director; Richard Braatz is associate faculty director.
MIT scientists discover new antiviral defense system in bacteria
Prokaryotes can detect hallmark viral proteins and trigger cell death through a process seen across all domains of life.
New CRISPR-based map ties every human gene to its function
Jonathan Weissman and collaborators used their single-cell sequencing tool Perturb-seq on every expressed gene in the human genome, linking each to its job in the cell.
Convenience-sized RNA editing
MIT neuroscientists expand CRISPR toolkit with new, compact Cas7-11 enzyme.
Using plant biology to address climate change
A Climate Grand Challenges flagship project aims to reduce agriculture-driven emissions while making food crop plants heartier and more nutritious.
Volta Labs: Improving workflows for genetic applications
Udayan Umapathi SM ’17 and Will Langford SM ’14, PhD ’19 are co-founders of a Media Lab spinoff building a full-stack platform to enable automation for genomics and genetic engineering.