Genetics

Genetic 911: Cells’ emergency systems revealedStudy examines how cells exploit gene sequences to cope with toxic stress.

Researchers achieve RNA interference, in a lighter packagePared-down nucleic acid nanoparticle poses less risk of side effects, offers better targeting.

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

Pinpointing how antibiotics workTeam uncovers mechanism that produces fatal DNA damage in bacteria.

Getting to the root of geneticsManolis Kellis uses computational techniques to decipher human disease.

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.

What lies ahead for science and science writing?10th anniversary of MIT Graduate Program in Science Writing celebrates past, looks to future.

Eric Lander wins Dan David PrizeBroad Institute director, biology professor shares prize in the 'future' category.

Prions play key role in yeast survival and evolutionFor the first time, researchers find prions in wild strains of yeast, and show they can help the organisms withstand stress.

Stem cells could drive hepatitis research forwardBy creating liver-like cells, scientists can study why people respond differently to the disease.

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

The mathematics of tasteBy using ‘genetic programming’ to crossbreed algorithms, researchers help flavor companies figure out what their customers like.

Neuroscientists identify a master controller of memoryOne gene appears to regulate the brain’s ability to form new memories.

A new piece to the autism puzzleNeuroscientists find that two rare autism-related disorders are caused by opposing malfunctions in the brain.

Seeing cancer in three dimensionsScientists find that the 3-D structure of a cancer cell’s chromosomes plays a big role in which genes get deleted or copied.

Unraveling how a mutation can lead to psychiatric illnessMIT neuroscientists show that a gene linked with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder impairs early brain development.

Materials research in the Information AgeMIT, Lawrence Berkeley launch new tool to calculate properties of new materials

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

Analysis of 29 mammals reveals genomic ‘dark matter’Genomic comparison offers a new map for charting human disease and biology.

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.

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.

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

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

Scientists decipher 3-billion-year-old genomic fossilsAnalysis of modern-day genomes finds evidence for ancient environmental change and a massive expansion in genetic diversity.

The code for survivalCells fight stress by reprogramming a system of RNA modifications, researchers find.

3 Questions: Evelyn Fox Keller on the nature-nurture debatesIn a new book, prominent historian of science dismisses the ‘unanswerable’ question of whether heredity or the environment matter more in human development.