With generative AI, MIT chemists quickly calculate 3D genomic structures
A new approach, which takes minutes rather than days, predicts how a specific DNA sequence will arrange itself in the cell nucleus.
Professor William Thilly, whose research illuminated the effects of mutagens on human cells, dies at 79
A professor of genetics, toxicology, and biological engineering, Thilly pushed himself and his students to develop solutions to real-world problems.
An abundant phytoplankton feeds a global network of marine microbes
New findings illuminate how Prochlorococcus’ nightly “cross-feeding” plays a role in regulating the ocean’s capacity to cycle and store carbon.
Photos: 2024 Nobel winners with MIT ties honored in Stockholm
Laureates participated in various Nobel Week events, including lectures, a concert, a banquet, and the Nobel ceremony on Dec. 10.
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.
Victor Ambros ’75, PhD ’79 and Gary Ruvkun share Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
The scientists, who worked together as postdocs at MIT, are honored for their discovery of microRNA — a class of molecules that are critical for gene regulation.
Pursuing the secrets of a stealthy parasite
By unraveling the genetic pathways that help Toxoplasma gondii persist in human cells, Sebastian Lourido hopes to find new ways to treat toxoplasmosis.
Study across multiple brain regions discerns Alzheimer’s vulnerability and resilience factors
Genomics and lab studies reveal numerous findings, including a key role for Reelin amid neuronal vulnerability, and for choline and antioxidants in sustaining cognition.
License plates of MIT
Custom plates display expressions of scholarship, creativity, and MIT pride among Institute affiliates.
Machine learning and the microscope
PhD student Xinyi Zhang is developing computational tools for analyzing cells in the age of multimodal data.
CHARMed collaboration creates a potent therapy candidate for fatal prion diseases
A new gene-silencing tool shows promise as a future therapy against prion diseases and paves the way for new approaches to treating disease.
Professor Emerita Mary-Lou Pardue, pioneering cellular and molecular biologist, dies at 90
Known for her rigorous approach to science and her influential research, Pardue paved the way for women in science at MIT and beyond.
Scientists preserve DNA in an amber-like polymer
With their “T-REX” method, DNA embedded in the polymer could be used for long-term storage of genomes or digital data such as photos and music.
New technique reveals how gene transcription is coordinated in cells
By capturing short-lived RNA molecules, scientists can map relationships between genes and the regulatory elements that control them.
The beauty of biology
Senior Hanjun Lee planned to pursue chemistry at MIT. A course in genetics changed that.