Nanoparticle-delivered RNA reduces neuroinflammation in lab tests
MIT researchers find that in mice and human cell cultures, lipid nanoparticles can deliver a potential therapy for inflammation in the brain, a prominent symptom in Alzheimer’s.
Search algorithm reveals nearly 200 new kinds of CRISPR systems
By analyzing bacterial data, researchers have discovered thousands of rare new CRISPR systems that have a range of functions and could enable gene editing, diagnostics, and more.
Thousands of programmable DNA-cutters found in algae, snails, and other organisms
New research finds RNA-guided enzymes called Fanzors are widespread among eukaryotic organisms.
Individual neurons mix multiple RNA edits of key synapse protein, study finds
Neurons stochastically generated up to eight different versions of a protein-regulating neurotransmitter release, which could vary how they communicate with other cells.
MIT engineers design more powerful RNA vaccines
The new approach could lead to intranasal vaccines for Covid-19 and other respiratory diseases.
Study connects neural gene expression differences to functional distinctions
Researchers compared a pair of superficially similar motor neurons in fruit flies to examine how their differing use of the same genome produced distinctions in form and function.
Study explains how part of the nucleolus evolved
A single protein can self-assemble to build the scaffold for a biomolecular condensate that makes up a key nucleolar compartment.
Newly discovered bacterial communication system aids antimicrobial resistance
SMART researchers find the enzyme RlmN, which directly senses chemical and environmental stresses, can be targeted in drug development.
It takes three to tango: transcription factors bind DNA, protein, and RNA
Whitehead Institute researchers find many transcription factors bind RNA, which fine-tunes their regulation of gene expression, suggesting new therapeutic opportunities.
Scientists pinpoint where thousands of individual proteins are made in intact tissue and single cells
A new technology called RIBOmap can give researchers valuable insight into how protein production in animal and human tissue is altered in disease.
MIT researchers to lead a new center for continuous mRNA manufacturing
A pilot-scale system, enabled by an $82 million award from the FDA, aims to accelerate the development and production of mRNA technologies.
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 simple paper test could offer early cancer diagnosis
The new diagnostic, which is based on analysis of urine samples, could also be designed to reveal whether a tumor has metastasized.
Vaccine printer could help vaccines reach more people
The printer generates vaccine-filled microneedle patches that can be stored long-term at room temperature and applied to the skin.
Funding to Daniel Anderson’s lab will advance research on new delivery technology for RNA vaccines and therapies
The global health care company Sanofi is providing $25 million to advance RNA research.