New system for human genome editing has potential to increase power and precision of DNA engineering
CRISPR-Cpf1 offers simpler approach to editing DNA; technology could disrupt scientific and commercial landscape.
Engineering biology
With a new DARPA contract, biological engineer Christopher Voigt aims to harness the power of living cells.
Viruses join fight against harmful bacteria
Engineered viruses could combat human disease and improve food safety.
Automating single-molecule image studies
MIT physics graduate student James Owen Andrews is developing software to improve dynamic image capture from super-resolution fluorescent microscopes.
Faculty Highlight: Ibrahim Cissé
Assistant professor of physics probes the formation of enzyme clusters that enable gene copying and protein production in living cells.
Searching big data faster
Theoretical analysis could expand applications of accelerated searching in biology, other fields.
A metabolic master switch underlying human obesity
Researchers find pathway that controls metabolism by prompting fat cells to store or burn fat.
How chronic inflammation can lead to cancer
Researchers discover how the immune system can create cancerous DNA mutations when fighting off infection.
Mending a broken heart
Laurie Boyer’s work might one day lead to cures for heart defects and disease.
An ally for the understudied Y chromosome
Graduate student Alexander Godfrey tackles a chromosome that half the world has — yet few understand.
Longstanding problem put to rest
Proof that a 40-year-old algorithm is the best possible will come as a relief to computer scientists.
DNA breakage underlies both learning, age-related damage
Process that allows brains to learn and remember also leads to degeneration with age.
Uncovering diversity in an invisible ocean world
New research indicates marine plankton are not only more diverse than previously thought, but also profoundly affected by their environment.
