National Institutes of Health (NIH)

MIT biological engineers have developed a new way to encode complex memories in the DNA of living cells.

High-precision technique stores cellular “memory” in DNA

Engineers program human and bacterial cells to keep a record of complex molecular events.

August 22, 2019

Illustration of scientist cutting a cell in half with a pizza cutter.

To divide or not to divide?

Whitehead Institute team reveals molecular program that controls cells’ capacity for division.

August 21, 2019

Diagram illustrates the structure of the tiny bubbles, called liposomes, used to deliver drugs. The blue spheres represent lipids, a kind of fat molecule, surrounding a central cavity containing magnetic nanoparticles (black) and the drug to be delivered (red). When the nanoparticles are heated, the drug can escape into the body.

A new way to deliver drugs with pinpoint targeting

Magnetic particles allow drugs to be released at precise times and in specific areas.

August 19, 2019

MIT researchers have developed a new model of gene control, in which the cellular machinery that transcribes DNA into RNA forms specialized droplets called condensates.

Study furthers radically new view of gene control

Along the genome, proteins form liquid-like droplets that appear to boost the expression of particular genes.

August 8, 2019

The Grossman lab studies the mobile genetic element ICEBs1, which is shown here being transferred from red donor cells to green recipient cells that display fluorescent dots after transfer.

A new way to block unwanted genetic transfer

Researchers identify a strategy to prevent mobile genetic elements from breaching the bacterial cell wall.

August 5, 2019

Speeding up drug discovery for brain diseases

Whitehead Institute team finds drugs that activate a key brain gene; initial tests in cells and mice show promise for rare, untreatable neurodevelopmental disorder.

July 31, 2019

MIT researchers have developed a material that can be injected as a liquid then turn into a solid gel. They believe it holds promise for improving colonoscopies, in which saline is currently injected below precancerous growths to make them easier to remove.

New material could make it easier to remove colon polyps

Gel cushion used to elevate polyps during endoscopy could reduce the risk of tearing the colon lining.

July 30, 2019

MIT researchers have developed a noninvasive hydration sensor that is based on the same technology as MRI, but, unlike MRI scanners, it can fit in a doctor’s office.

Hydration sensor could improve dialysis

Noninvasive device could benefit patients with kidney disease, congestive heart failure, or dehydration.

July 24, 2019

This photo represents the bell curve of women's and men's heights. It was created in 1994 by Linda Strausbaugh, professor of molecular and cell biology at the University of Connecticut.

Genetic study takes research on sex differences to new heights

Differences in male and female gene expression, including those contributing to height differences, found throughout the body in humans and other mammals.

July 18, 2019