Genetics

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.

Timing is everything for cancer protein p53Biologists find that restoring the gene for p53 can slow the spread of advanced lung tumors, but doesn’t help early-stage cancers.

A better way to target tumorsIn spite of slow progress toward targeting cancer drugs to individual patients, hope remains.

Teasing out malaria’s genetic secretsBiological engineer’s new approach to studying gene control could lead to new drug targets.

Squeezing more production out of bacteriaMIT chemical engineers demonstrate a new way to dramatically boost bacteria’s manufacturing abilities.

Lunch with a Laureate: Robert HorvitzPresented by the MIT Museum and the Cambridge Science Festival

Proteins linked to longevity also linked to Alzheimer’sSirtuins appear to control production of the devastating protein fragments that form plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

Lunch with a Laureate: Jack SzostakPresented by the MIT Museum and the Cambridge Science Festival

Imaging fish on the flyNew MIT technology allows high-speed study of zebrafish larvae, often used to model human diseases.

Gerald Fink awarded 2010 Gruber Genetics PrizeWill receive $500,000 prize in November

A new use for goldEngineers turn a drawback — the stickiness of gold nanoparticles — into an advantage.