Bioengineering and biotechnology

Rapid analysis of DNA damage now possibleTechnology offers a new way to test potential cancer drugs, detect effects of hazardous agents in our environment.

Viruses harnessed to split waterMIT team’s biologically based system taps the power of sunlight directly, with the aim of turning water into hydrogen fuel.

Weighing the cellMIT biological engineers devise a way to measure, for the first time, how single cells accumulate mass.

Slackers and superstars of the microbial workplaceMIT chemical engineers find that yeast engineered to manufacture drugs vary widely in their productivity

Zooming in on cellsNew microscopy technique offers close-up, real-time view of how proteins kill bacteria

Ecological balancing actPhytoplankton diversity depends on balance between competition and the ocean’s physical dynamics, new research suggests

New technique offers a more detailed view of brain activity‘Cleverly designed' MRI sensors detect dopamine, offering a high-resolution look at what’s happening inside the brain.

Cell-inspired electronicsBy mimicking cells, MIT researcher designs electronic circuits for ultra-low-power and biomedical applications.

With $25 million grant, NSF funds center to investigate the creation of biological machinesHeadquartered at MIT, the new initiative aims to dramatically advance research in complex biological systems and engage underrepresented minority groups

Engineering a new way to study hepatitis CTissue engineers have successfully infected liver cells in the laboratory, allowing a better way to test new drugs.

Mapping the brainMIT scientists are making computers smart enough to see the connections between the brain's neurons

New ‘nanoburrs’ could help fight heart diseaseTargeted nanoparticles can home in on damaged vascular tissue and may be used to deliver drugs that help clear arteries

Y chromosomes evolving rapidlyBy comparing human and chimpanzee Y chromosome sequences, Whitehead Institute geneticists show the Y is undergoing swift change.

Human immune cells — in miceMIT team engineers mice with human immune cells, which could be used to test vaccines for HIV and other diseases.

Nutrient mix shows promise in fighting Alzheimer’sIn clinical trial, new approach developed at MIT improves memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

The recession hits scienceMIT report reveals biotechnology funding troubles

Silencing the brain with lightMIT neuroengineers find a new way to quickly and reversibly shut off neurons with multiple colors of light, which could lead to new treatments for epilepsy and chronic pain.

New and improved RNA interferenceResearchers use RNA interference to silence multiple genes at once. The advance, which one expert calls a ‘substantial breakthrough,’ could lead to new treatments for liver diseases.

HHMI lists Tsai team’s advance among 10 biggest stories of 2009Howard Hughes Medical Institute honors discovery of gene protein that could lead to safer drug treatments for Alzheimer’s and other diseases.

New evidence links sirtuins and life extensionStudy from Leonard Guarente shows how sirtuins act in the brain during calorie restriction to potentially lengthen lifespan.

The 'sci' behind the 'fi'A public television program explores the ways real science is starting to catch up with the futuristic visions in Star Trek.

Reporter’s Notebook: Breaking the silenceActress Padma Lakshmi comes to MIT to raise awareness of endometriosis and help launch the new Center for Gynepathology.

Engineering a cureBiological engineering professor Linda Griffith launches a new center to study endometriosis and other gynecological diseases.

New computer model could lead to safer stentsStudy by HST scientists shows that location of arterial stents is critical to efficient and safe drug delivery.

3 Questions: Suzanne Corkin on the world’s most famous amnesicThis week, scientists plan to slice the brain of H.M., the amnesia patient who died last year and whose condition helped shed light on how memories are formed.

One word: bioplasticsAt a new plant in Iowa, MIT-rooted technology will use bacteria to turn corn into biodegradable plastics.

Explained: RNA interferenceExploiting the recently discovered mechanism could allow biologists to develop disease treatments by shutting down specific genes.

Nanoparticles for gene therapy improveMIT team’s nanoparticles could become a safer alternative to gene therapy delivered by viruses.

Remembering David SchauerProfessor’s ‘academic family’ recalls the life and work of the infectious disease expert.

Back to (brain) basicsMIT neuroscientists are using their knowledge of the brain to generate promising treatments for autism, mental retardation and Alzheimer’s disease.