National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Improving microparticle arrays for engineering applications: A new technique using tiny microwells pushes the precision and scalability of microparticle arrays to a new extreme. The assembly includes empty porous microwell arrays (top left) and unassembled microparticles (top middle). A close view of the microparticles in arrays appears at top right, and a wide view of the assembly appears below.

A better way to assay

New design of large-scale microparticle arrays can make materials science and bioengineering applications more scalable, precise, and versatile.

September 30, 2016

Accelerometers around patients' necks capture data about the motions of their vocal folds to determine if their vocal behavior was normal or abnormal.

How machine learning can help with voice disorders

By detecting signs of vocal misuse, system from CSAIL and Mass General could eventually be used to help diagnose voice disorders.

August 29, 2016

Collectively, piston-engine aircraft like this Cirrus SR22 constitute the nation’s largest remaining source of lead emissions.

Unfriendly skies: Piston engine aircraft pose a significant health threat

Study shows long-lasting health, economic impacts of lead emissions from U.S. general aviation flights.

August 26, 2016

Clownfish fight off predators of anemones that in turn provide habitats for the clownfish, an example of mutualism. But mutualistic relationships aren’t always set in stone; depending on environmental conditions, once-simpatico species can become competitors.

A mutual breakdown

Species relationships devolve from jointly beneficial to competitive in benign environments.

August 24, 2016

Researchers have developed a new way of imaging the middle ear using infrared light, which they say could provide much more accurate diagnosis of ear infections.

A new eye on the middle ear

Shortwave infrared instrument from MIT could see deeper, help improve diagnosis of ear infections.

August 22, 2016

Researchers at MIT have for the first time identified the structure of class I fumarate hydratase enzyme, which could be a target for drugs combatting diseases prevalent in the developing world.

Targeting neglected diseases

New enzyme-mapping advance could help drug development.

August 15, 2016

Clockwise from top left: Cathy Drennan, professor of chemistry and biology at MIT; Squire Booker, a professor of chemistry and of biochemistry and molecular biology at Penn State; Martin McLaughlin ’15; and an image of LipA.

Research by MIT undergrad helps crack chemical mystery

Study finds enzyme “cannibalizes” itself to perform an essential reaction.

August 8, 2016

Pictured on the left is a spleen; on the right are red blood cells. ““We have presented results showing that the spleen is the main organ that defines the shape of the circulating red blood cells” says Ming Dao, a principal research scientist in MIT’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

How the spleen filters blood

Computer model finds slits in the spleen impose a “physical fitness test” on red blood cells.

June 27, 2016

A new report, “Convergence: The Future of Health,” draws on insights from scientists and researchers across academia, industry, and government. The cover of the report is an image of lungs, one of the major sites of metastasis. To help protect the lungs (blue) from this deadly process, bioengineers have created microscopic drug depots (red) to focus the effect of anti-cancer drugs that may hav...

A strategy for “convergence” research to transform biomedicine

Report calls for more integration of physical, life sciences for needed advances in biomedical research.

June 23, 2016

An MIT-led team has developed a model that explains how chromosomes transform from a loosely twisted bundle (left) into two sister chromatids that form the characteristic X shape in preparation for cell division.

Study: Molecular motors shape chromosome structure

By organizing chromosomes into many tiny loops, molecular motors play key role cell division.

June 10, 2016

A research team led by MIT chemistry professor Mohammad Movassaghi has developed a strategy for synthesizing a group of compounds called communesins, which occur naturally in some fungi. Researchers may now be able to further investigate the compounds’ cancer-fighting abilities. Pictured is an image of penicillium fungus.

A new approach to chemical synthesis

Communesins, originally found in fungus, could hold potential as cancer drugs.

June 7, 2016

MIT scientists developed a super-resolution imaging technique, using a combination of multi-colored lasers and mirrors, to visualize very tiny, transient phenomena, such as enzyme clustering on genes.

Scientists illuminate a hidden regulator in gene transcription

New super-resolution technique visualizes important role of short-lived enzyme clusters.

May 25, 2016

In the top image, a neuronal axon (green) forms many synapses, highlighted in purple. The bottom image shows an axon from a fruit fly lacking the Shank protein. In these flies, not as many synapses form, and some of them (indicated by the white arrows) do not fully mature.

Neuroscientists illuminate role of autism-linked gene

Loss of Shank gene prevents neuronal synapses from properly maturing.

May 24, 2016

A sample of the mineral perovskite is shown in the foreground, while behind it is an image the researchers used to prove the effects of intense light on a thin film of perovskite. Fluorescence imaging shows that areas that received more light became more purified, as revealed by brighter fluorescence from those regions.

Light can “heal” defects in some solar cells

Defects in some new electronic materials can be removed by making ions move under illumination.

May 24, 2016

Center for Environmental Health Sciences announces 2016 call for pilot project proposals

Proposals are invited for basic and translational environmental health sciences research.

May 19, 2016

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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