Study: High-fat diets make liver cells more likely to become cancerous
New research suggests liver cells exposed to too much fat revert to an immature state that is more susceptible to cancer-causing mutations.
Prefrontal cortex reaches back into the brain to shape how other regions function
Research illustrates how areas within the brain’s executive control center tailor messages in specific circuits with other brain regions to influence them with information about behavior and feelings.
A new immunotherapy approach could work for many types of cancer
Using new molecules that block an immune checkpoint, researchers showed they could stimulate a strong anti-tumor immune response.
RNA editing study finds many ways for neurons to diversify
Tracking how fruit fly motor neurons edit their RNA, neurobiologists cataloged hundreds of target sites and varying editing rates, finding many edits altered communication- and function-related proteins.
Deep-learning model predicts how fruit flies form, cell by cell
The approach could apply to more complex tissues and organs, helping researchers to identify early signs of disease.
MIT study shows how vision can be rebooted in adults with amblyopia
Temporarily anesthetizing the retina briefly reverts the activity of the visual system to that observed in early development and enables growth of responses to the amblyopic (“lazy”) eye.
When it comes to language, context matters
MIT researchers identified three cognitive skills that we use to infer what someone really means.
Astrocyte diversity across space and time
A new atlas charts the diversity of an influential cell type in the brains of mice and marmosets.
NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya visits MIT
In a conversation with Rep. Jake Auchincloss, Bhattacharya focused on the agency’s policy goals and funding practices.
Noninvasive imaging could replace finger pricks for people with diabetes
MIT engineers show they can accurately measure blood glucose by shining near-infrared light on the skin.
MIT chemists synthesize a fungal compound that holds promise for treating brain cancer
Preliminary studies find derivatives of the compound, known as verticillin A, can kill some types of glioma cells.
Particles that enhance mRNA delivery could reduce vaccine dosage and costs
Using these nanoparticles to deliver a flu vaccine, researchers observed an effective immune response at a much lower dose.
MIT study finds targets for a new tuberculosis vaccine
Using these antigens, researchers plan to develop vaccine candidates that they hope would stimulate a strong immune response against the world’s deadliest pathogen.
New nanoparticles stimulate the immune system to attack ovarian tumors
Targeted particles carrying the cytokine IL-12 can jump-start T cells, allowing them to clear tumors while avoiding side effects.
This is your brain without sleep
New research shows attention lapses due to sleep deprivation coincide with a flushing of fluid from the brain — a process that normally occurs during sleep.