When cells’ tiny differences have far-reaching implications
Alex Shalek’s technologies for single-cell RNA profiling can help dissect the cellular bases of complex diseases around the globe.
New model helps identify mutations that drive cancer
The system rapidly scans the genome of cancer cells, could help researchers find targets for new drugs.
New CRISPR-based map ties every human gene to its function
Jonathan Weissman and collaborators used their single-cell sequencing tool Perturb-seq on every expressed gene in the human genome, linking each to its job in the cell.
Tracing a cancer’s family tree to its roots reveals how tumors grow
Family trees of lung cancer cells reveal how cancer evolves from its earliest stages to an aggressive form capable of spreading throughout the body.
Using plant biology to address climate change
A Climate Grand Challenges flagship project aims to reduce agriculture-driven emissions while making food crop plants heartier and more nutritious.
Structures considered key to gene expression are surprisingly fleeting
Study finds genome loops don’t last long in cells; theories of how loops control gene expression may need to be revised.
How molecular biology could reduce global food insecurity
Mary Gehring is using her background in plant epigenetics to grow climate-resilient crops.
Yukiko Yamashita, unraveler of stem cells’ secrets
The MIT biologist’s research has shed light on the immortality of germline cells and the function of “junk DNA.”
Microbes and minerals may have set off Earth’s oxygenation
Scientists propose a new mechanism by which oxygen may have first built up in the atmosphere
An “oracle” for predicting the evolution of gene regulation
Researchers create a mathematical framework to examine the genome and detect signatures of natural selection, deciphering the evolutionary past and future of non-coding DNA.
Mentorship and medicine
MIT senior Daniel Zhang aims to provide hope for young patients and support to young students.
Probing how proteins pair up inside cells
MIT biologists drilled down into how proteins recognize and bind to one another, informing drug treatments for cancer.
In Down syndrome cells, genome-wide disruptions mimic a senescence-like state
Extra chromosome alters chromosomal conformation and DNA accessibility in neural progenitor cells; study establishes senescence as a potentially targetable mechanism for future treatment.
Differences in T cells’ functional states determine resistance to cancer therapy
Researchers decipher when and why immune cells fail to respond to immunotherapy, and suggest that T cells need a different kind of prodding in order to re-engage the immune response.
Engineers devise a way to selectively turn on RNA therapies in human cells
A new RNA-based control switch could be used to trigger production of therapeutic proteins to treat cancer or other diseases.