Biological engineering

Crowding causes cells to produce an orderly matrix of moleculesMaking proteins stand in line could lead to more lifelike lab tests.

A new look at prolonged radiation exposureMIT study suggests that at low dose-rate, radiation poses little risk to DNA.

Immune protection from an unexpected sourceMIT biological engineers find that proteins in mucus help ward off viral infection.

Hybrid copper-gold nanoparticles convert CO2May reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Study shows unified process of evolution in bacteria and sexual eukaryotesA single gene mutation can sweep through a population, opening the door for the concept of ‘species’ in bacteria.

Seeing the music in natureFrom spider webs to tangled proteins, Markus Buehler finds the connections between mathematics, molecules and materials.

New tools to answer timeless questionsAlan Jasanoff is designing imaging sensors that could help reveal the brain’s inner workings.

Toying with biological systemsBy swapping microbial genes, Chris Voigt designs cells with novel functions.

Successful human tests for first wirelessly controlled drug-delivery chipClinical trial of the programmable, implantable device shows promise in treating osteoporosis.

Five MIT engineers named to National Academy of EngineeringSeveral Institute alumni also among 66 new members announced today.

MIT to launch Institute for Medical Engineering and ScienceBased in School of Engineering but spanning all of MIT, IMES will be led by Arup K. Chakraborty.

Metabolic errors can spell doom for DNANew study could explain why variant enzymes boost the risk of cancer for some people.

Stopping influenza evolution before it startsModel of flu proteins suggests new way to design vaccines that slow mutations.

Slimy scienceBiological engineering assistant professor says mucus is cooler than you think.

Kaitlyn Nealon named to Capital One Academic All-America Women's Soccer TeamSophomore defender becomes fourth player in the history of the women's soccer program to earn honor.

Living cells say: Can you hear me now?Researchers find that cells’ chemical signaling includes a way to tell whether signals are being received or not.

MIT team wins iGEM competition trackGroup earns top spot in health and medicine; advances to grand finals for first time.

Exploring the inner workings of materialsFrom concrete to cancer cells, Van Vliet brings an engineer’s mindset to the study of biology and materials.

Bacteria may readily swap beneficial genesMicrobes have developed a quick and effective way to exchange genetic information coding for antibiotic resistance, other functions.

Building biology, one cartoon at a time

Charging toward better neural implantsResearchers improve the efficiency of devices that stimulate damaged nerves, reducing potential side effects.

Computer science gives a boost to heart healthNew technique searches for subtle indicators of risk hidden in a patient’s EKG.

Langer wins Warren Alpert Foundation PrizeBiomedical engineer shares $250,000 award

Killing a cancer cell from the inside outSynthetic biologists design a gene circuit that, when delivered to cancer cells, forces them to commit suicide.