Focus on function helps identify the changes that made us human
A new approach for identifying significant differences in gene use between closely-related species provides insights into human evolution.
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Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)
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Researchers uncover a new CRISPR-like system in animals that can edit the human genome
The first RNA-guided DNA-cutting enzyme found in eukaryotes, Fanzor could one day be harnessed to edit DNA more precisely than CRISPR/Cas systems.
A “door” into the mitochondrial membrane
Study finds the protein MTCH2 is responsible for shuttling various other proteins into the membrane of mitochondria. The finding could have implications for cancer treatments and MTCH2-linked conditions.
A “golden era” to study the brain
“We can’t think of the brain only as neurons,” says PhD student Mitch Murdock, who explores the cellular basis of Alzheimer’s disease.
New CRISPR-based map ties every human gene to its function
Jonathan Weissman and collaborators used their single-cell sequencing tool Perturb-seq on every expressed gene in the human genome, linking each to its job in the cell.
Seven new faculty join the MIT School of Science
Departments of Biology and Brain and Cognitive Sciences welcome new professors.
New computational tool predicts cell fates and genetic perturbations
The technique can help predict a cell’s path over time, such as what type of cell it will become.
New programmable gene editing proteins found outside of CRISPR systems
Researchers find RNA-guided enzymes are more diverse and widespread than previously believed.
Mapping the cellular circuits behind spitting
Roundworms change the flow of material in and out of their mouths in response to bright light, revealing a new way for neurons to control muscle cells.
Four MIT scientists honored with 2021 National Academy of Sciences awards
Pablo Jarillo-Herrero, Aviv Regev, Susan Solomon, and Feng Zhang are the recipients of distinguished awards for major contributions to science.
A blueprint for regeneration
Whitehead Institute researchers uncover framework for how stem cells determine where to form replacement structures.
From fiction to science
Peter Reddien believes human stem cells could one day be regulated to replace aged, damaged, and missing tissues.
New respect for primary visual cortex
A previously underappreciated brain region performs complex sequence learning.
Solving the mysteries of regeneration
Biologist Peter Reddien seeks to understand planarians’ famous ability to grow new body parts.
Two MIT professors named Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigators
Peter Reddien and Aviv Regev are among 27 top biomedical scientists selected nationwide.