Ocean microbes display remarkable genetic diversity
One species, a few drops of seawater, hundreds of coexisting subpopulations.
Fast way to measure DNA repair
Test analyzing cells’ ability to fix different kinds of broken DNA could help doctors predict cancer risk.
Precision attack on cancer
Michael Hemann seeks better ways to deploy chemotherapy drugs and overcome tumor resistance.
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.