Health

Researchers have developed a rubber-like fiber, shown here, that can flex and stretch while simultaneously delivering both optical impulses, for optoelectronic stimulation, and electrical connections, for stimulation and monitoring.

Stretching the boundaries of neural implants

Rubbery, multifunctional fibers could be used to study spinal cord neurons and potentially restore function.

March 31, 2017

In a study of 365,000 NIH grants — nearly every NIH grant awarded for 27 years — researchers found that 31 percent produce articles that are later cited by patents in the biomedical sector.

Study: NIH funding generates large numbers of private-sector patents

New research shows large spillover from the lab to commercial activity.

March 30, 2017

A production line in a Volkswagen factory in Poland. Scientists at MIT and elsewhere report that the manufacturer’s emissions in excess of the test-stand limit value have had a significant effect on public health not just in Germany but across Europe.

Study: Volkswagen’s excess emissions will lead to 1,200 premature deaths in Europe

Countries hit hardest by automaker’s emissions scandal include Germany, Poland, France, and Czech Republic.

March 3, 2017

A team of MIT biological engineers has developed a method to measure levels of the iron-containing protein heme inside the malaria parasite. “One of our long-term goals is ultimately being able to tie insights from these studies back to thinking about drug discovery and targeting pathways that regulate heme,” says Jacquin Niles, an MIT associate professor of biological engineering.

Taking aim at a key malaria molecule

Measuring the parasite’s heme levels could help scientists develop better antimalarial drugs.

February 27, 2017

Eight student teams pitched novel inventions at last night’s MIT Sloan Healthcare Innovations Prize pitch competition. Rendever earned the $25,000 grand prize for creating a virtual-reality platform that gives the elderly the chance to explore the world virtually. The platform also provides cognitive therapy and tracks movement data to aid in early diagnosis of dementia.

Virtual-reality system for the elderly wins health care prize

Eight student teams pitched novel inventions at MIT Sloan Healthcare Innovations Prize competition.

February 24, 2017

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a narrowing of the airway that cuts off breathing, and people who are obese are at higher risk for the disorder. MIT researchers have discovered that a dietary supplement called yohimbine reverses the root cause of obstructive sleep apnea in an animal model.

A possible new approach to stopping obstructive sleep apnea

Dietary supplement derived from tree bark shows promise for treating the disorder.

February 23, 2017

Graduate student Seongjun Park holds an example of a new flexible fiber, which is no bigger than a human hair and has successfully delivered a combination of optical, electrical, and chemical signals back and forth into the brain.

Tiny fibers open new windows into the brain

Three-in-one design allows genetic, chemical, optical, and electrical inputs and outputs.

February 21, 2017

Ozone exacts a particularly heavy toll on people living in economically disadvantaged areas, where industrial and power plants tend to cluster. While policies have been implemented to reduce ozone emissions across the country, they have not yet addressed built-in inequities in the U.S. economy, leaving low-income Americans at greatest risk for health and economic damages.

Modeling the unequal benefits of U.S. environmental policy

New toolset evaluates economic impacts of ozone reduction policies for nine income groups.

February 15, 2017

PhD candidate Mohammad Ghassemi (left) and graduate student Tuka Alhanai's system can detect the tone of a conversation using a wearable device.

Wearable AI system can detect a conversation's tone

Coupled with audio and vital-sign data, deep-learning system could someday serve as a “social coach” for people with anxiety or Asperger’s.

February 1, 2017

MIT engineers have shown that they can use short bursts of ultrasound to efficiently deliver RNA into cells.

RNA hitches a ride on ultrasound waves

Technique enables rapid delivery of RNA to treat colon inflammation.

January 20, 2017

Lauren Uhr: a brain researcher motivated by personal experience

MIT senior studies cognitive science and medicine from the vantage point of a person with dyslexia.

November 21, 2016

Common Sensing co-founders Richard Whalley (left) and James White

Data-driven diabetes management

Smart insulin-pen cap lets patients and doctors track dosage data to better manage treatment.

November 16, 2016

A new immunization strategy against microbes that invade the gastrointestinal tract may someday offer an alternative to antibiotics.

A new approach against Salmonella and other pathogens

Immunization strategy could prevent gastrointestinal disease.

November 7, 2016

A team of researchers at MIT, the University of Brasilia, and the University of British Columbia has now engineered an antimicrobial peptide that can destroy many types of bacteria, including some that are resistant to most antibiotics.

Engineers design a new weapon against bacteria

Antimicrobial peptides can kill strains resistant to existing antibiotics.

November 2, 2016

MIT launches Institute-wide survey on commuting behaviors

October 27, 2016

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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