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.
Deciphering the language of transcription factors
A new method identifies the precise binding sites of transcription factors — proteins that regulate the production of other proteins — with 10 times the accuracy of its predecessors.
Researchers identify biochemical functions for most of the human genome
New map provides a reference for interpreting function of disease-associated regions.
Turning on key enzyme blocks tumor formation
Drug-like molecule restores normal cell metabolism, preventing cancer cells from growing.
New nanoparticles shrink tumors in mice
Particles that shut off cancer genes could also allow researchers to screen potential drug targets more rapidly.
Researchers build a toolbox for synthetic biology
Engineers design new proteins that can help control novel genetic circuits in cells.
Searching genomic data faster
Biologists’ capacity for generating genomic data is increasing more rapidly than computing power. A new algorithm will help them keep up.
Genetic 911: Cells’ emergency systems revealed
Study examines how cells exploit gene sequences to cope with toxic stress.