Understanding genetic circuits and genome organization
Assistant professors Pulin Li and Seychelle Vos are investigating how cells become tissues and the proteins that organize DNA.
To divide or not to divide?
Whitehead Institute team reveals molecular program that controls cells’ capacity for division.
An emerging view of RNA transcription and splicing
Whitehead Institute scientists find chemical modification contributes to trafficking between non-membrane-bound compartments that control gene expression.
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.
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.
New faces in the School of Science faculty
Departments of Biology, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics welcome new faculty members.
Uncovering the riches of traditional global medicine
Researchers solve how the kava plant produces its pain-relieving and anti-anxiety molecules, demonstrate an extensible method to scale and optimize production.
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.
Meet the 2019 tenured professors in the School of Science
Eight faculty members are granted tenure in five science departments.
Department of Biology hosts second annual Science Slam
Eight biology contestants get one slide and three minutes to explain their research and impress their listeners.
The evolving definition of a gene
Professor Gerald Fink, a pioneer in the field of genetics, delivers the annual Killian Lecture.
Whitehead Institute’s David Page to conclude term as director
Search committee chaired by MIT President Emerita Susan Hockfield will identify new director for eminent biomedical institute.
Revising the textbook on introns
Whitehead Institute researchers uncover a group of introns in yeast that possess surprising stability and function.
Cracking a tough case
Whitehead Institute and MIT researchers uncover the detailed molecular structure of the sporopollenin polymer, an inert material key for the emergence of land plants.