For plants, urban heat islands don’t mimic global warming
Scientists have found that trees in cities respond to higher temperatures differently than those in forests, potentially masking climate impacts.
When did human language emerge?
A new analysis suggests our language capacity existed at least 135,000 years ago, with language used widely perhaps 35,000 years after that.
An ancient RNA-guided system could simplify delivery of gene editing therapies
The programmable proteins are compact, modular, and can be directed to modify DNA in human cells.
Professor Anthony Sinskey, biologist, inventor, entrepreneur, and Center for Biomedical Innovation co-founder, dies at 84
Colleagues remember the longtime MIT professor as a supportive, energetic collaborator who seemed to know everyone at the Institute.
MIT biologists discover a new type of control over RNA splicing
They identified proteins that influence splicing of about half of all human introns, allowing for more complex types of gene regulation.
Pivot Bio is using microbial nitrogen to make agriculture more sustainable
The nitrogen product developed by the company, which was co-founded by Professor Chris Voigt, is being used across millions of acres of American farmland.
Mapping mRNA through its life cycle within a cell
Xiao Wang’s studies of how and where RNA is translated could lead to the development of better RNA therapeutics and vaccines.
With generative AI, MIT chemists quickly calculate 3D genomic structures
A new approach, which takes minutes rather than days, predicts how a specific DNA sequence will arrange itself in the cell nucleus.
Professor William Thilly, whose research illuminated the effects of mutagens on human cells, dies at 79
A professor of genetics, toxicology, and biological engineering, Thilly pushed himself and his students to develop solutions to real-world problems.
An abundant phytoplankton feeds a global network of marine microbes
New findings illuminate how Prochlorococcus’ nightly “cross-feeding” plays a role in regulating the ocean’s capacity to cycle and store carbon.
Photos: 2024 Nobel winners with MIT ties honored in Stockholm
Laureates participated in various Nobel Week events, including lectures, a concert, a banquet, and the Nobel ceremony on Dec. 10.
A causal theory for studying the cause-and-effect relationships of genes
By sidestepping the need for costly interventions, a new method could potentially reveal gene regulatory programs, paving the way for targeted treatments.
Victor Ambros ’75, PhD ’79 and Gary Ruvkun share Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
The scientists, who worked together as postdocs at MIT, are honored for their discovery of microRNA — a class of molecules that are critical for gene regulation.
Pursuing the secrets of a stealthy parasite
By unraveling the genetic pathways that help Toxoplasma gondii persist in human cells, Sebastian Lourido hopes to find new ways to treat toxoplasmosis.
Study across multiple brain regions discerns Alzheimer’s vulnerability and resilience factors
Genomics and lab studies reveal numerous findings, including a key role for Reelin amid neuronal vulnerability, and for choline and antioxidants in sustaining cognition.