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Scientists preserve DNA in an amber-like polymer
With their “T-REX” method, DNA embedded in the polymer could be used for long-term storage of genomes or digital data such as photos and music.
New technique reveals how gene transcription is coordinated in cells
By capturing short-lived RNA molecules, scientists can map relationships between genes and the regulatory elements that control them.
A new computational technique could make it easier to engineer useful proteins
MIT researchers plan to search for proteins that could be used to measure electrical activity in the brain.
Engineers find a new way to convert carbon dioxide into useful products
A catalyst tethered by DNA boosts the efficiency of the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to CO, a building block for many chemical compounds.
Scientists develop a rapid gene-editing screen to find effects of cancer mutations
With the new technique, MIT researchers hope to identify mutations that could be targeted with new cancer therapies.
DNA particles that mimic viruses hold promise as vaccines
Using a DNA-based scaffold carrying viral proteins, researchers created a vaccine that provokes a strong antibody response against SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers improve blood tests’ ability to detect and monitor cancer
The advance makes it easier to detect circulating tumor DNA in blood samples, which could enable earlier cancer diagnosis and help guide treatment.
Noninvasive technique reveals how cells’ gene expression changes over time
MIT researchers can now track a cell’s RNA expression to investigate long-term processes like cancer progression or embryonic development.
Search algorithm reveals nearly 200 new kinds of CRISPR systems
By analyzing bacterial data, researchers have discovered thousands of rare new CRISPR systems that have a range of functions and could enable gene editing, diagnostics, and more.
How cell identity is preserved when cells divide
MIT study suggests 3D folding of the genome is key to cells’ ability to store and pass on “memories” of which genes they should express.
Making genetic prediction models more inclusive
MIT computer scientists developed a way to calculate polygenic scores that makes them more accurate for people across diverse ancestries.
Thousands of programmable DNA-cutters found in algae, snails, and other organisms
New research finds RNA-guided enzymes called Fanzors are widespread among eukaryotic organisms.
Decoding the complexity of Alzheimer’s disease
By analyzing epigenomic and gene expression changes that occur in Alzheimer’s disease, researchers identify cellular pathways that could become new drug targets.
Study explains why certain immunotherapies don’t always work as predicted
The findings could help doctors identify cancer patients who would benefit the most from drugs called checkpoint blockade inhibitors.