Biology

Disease-causing tangle could spawn new materialsAmyloids, associated with Alzheimer’s and other diseases, could be inspiration for tough synthetic polymers.

New lung cancer gene foundCancer biologists identify a driving force behind the spread of an aggressive type of lung cancer.

Scientists unveil tools for rewriting the code of lifeNew technology from MIT and Harvard can edit DNA at the genome scale, giving cells novel functions.

New material could offer hope to those with no voiceMIT and Harvard researchers are developing a synthetic material to revitalize damaged vocal cords.

Study explains why men are at higher risk for stomach cancerMIT researchers show how estrogen protects women from the gastric inflammation that can lead to cancer.

Biologists discover how yeast cells reverse agingThe gene they found can double yeast lifespan when turned on late in life.

How dense is a cell?Combining an ancient principle with new technology, MIT researchers have devised a way to answer that question.

Working in harmonyMIT-designed nanoparticles communicate with each other inside the body to target tumors more efficiently.'

Biologists shed light on a puzzling parasiteNew discovery reveals why some forms of Toxoplasma are more dangerous than others.

Turning off cancer’s growth signalsBiological engineers’ new approach to shutting down cell division could lead to new cancer drugs.

Tracking the flow of knowledgeStudy shows scientists’ location influences how widely their work is read and used for innovations.

Stubbe wins faculty’s Killian AwardHonor recognizes extraordinary professional accomplishment; winner delivers lecture in the spring

Evolution, reversedPhysicists’ study of evolution in bacteria shows that adaptations can be undone, but rarely.

New American Academy of Arts and Sciences fellows include 4 from MITGates, Page, Shor and Stewart among 212 new members.

Junior Thakkar wins Truman Scholarship

Understanding why lung cancer spreadsMIT biologists pinpoint a genetic change that helps tumors move to other parts of the body.

Two current students, three alumni win Soros fellowships

A celebration of women in science and engineeringSymposium highlights the work and accomplishments of women at MIT and beyond.

In vivo systems biologyUsing computer models, systems biologists can predict complicated behavior of cells in living animals

Are you a Martian?We all could be, scientists say — and an MIT-developed instrument might someday provide the proof

New report details status of women in science and engineering at MITFollow-up to previous reports shows improvement, but that still more can be done.

Exploiting cancer cells' weaknessesTeam identifies potential drugs that enhance stress caused by too many chromosomes.

Vander Heiden wins cancer innovation awardAwarded $450,000 grant over three years

Building blocksMIT groups lending a hand by assembling LEGO biology kits for local schools

A life filled with firstsEllen Swallow Richards, MIT’s first female graduate and faculty member, opened the door for women in science, and founded ecology and home economics along the way.

Putting up a struggle against cancerBlood-vessel cells can combat aggressive tumors, helping to prevent them from spreading through the body, new study finds.