Research reveals structure of key CRISPR complex
Work reveals how a genome-editing tool works to correct errors in the genetic code.
Unusual suspects
Computer models plus observations of RNA inside a cell help scientists home in on a short list of interesting RNA ‘machines.’
Biologists ID new cancer weakness
Drugs that block new target gene could make many tumors more vulnerable to chemotherapy.
Solving chromosomes’ structure
Scientists find that loops of DNA are key to tightly packing genetic material for cell division.
A worm’s-eye view of immunity
Biology professor Dennis Kim seeks to understand the physiology and evolution of host-microbe interactions by studying a simple worm.
Controlling genes with light
New technique can rapidly turn genes on and off, helping scientists better understand their function.
Research update: Genome editing becomes more accurate
Improved technique makes it easier to add or delete genes in living cells, with less risk of off-target DNA damage.
Reading DNA, backward and forward
MIT biologists reveal how cells control the direction in which the genome is read.
Cheaters lessen colony survival under stress in yeast experiment
MIT researchers find that high ratio of freeloaders makes it more likely colony will die from sudden shock to environment.
Research update: Imaging fish in 3-D
Automated system for high-speed analysis of vertebrate larvae could aid drug development.
Cardiac development needs more than protein-coding genes
Biologists find that long non-coding RNA molecules are necessary to regulate differentiation of embryonic stem cells into cardiac cells.
Editing the genome with high precision
New method allows scientists to insert multiple genes in specific locations, delete defective genes.
Evolution: It’s all in how you splice it
MIT biologists find that alternative splicing of RNA rewires signaling in different tissues and may often contribute to species differences.
MIT team builds most complex synthetic biology circuit yet
New sensor can detect four different molecules, could be used to program cells to precisely monitor their environments.