‘Jaws’ portrayed sharks as monsters 50 years ago, but it also inspired a generation of shark scientists

‘Jaws,’ published in 1974, terrified the public of sharks, but it also brought shark research into the scientific mainstream.

Gavin Naylor, Director of Florida Program for Shark Research, University of Florida • conversation
Jan. 31, 2024 • ~10 min

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.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
Jan. 30, 2024 • ~8 min

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.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
Jan. 18, 2024 • ~9 min

DNA from stone age chewing gum sheds light on diet and disease in Scandinavia's ancient hunter-gatherers

Genetic analysis reveals one of the teenagers probably had advanced gum disease.

Emrah Kırdök, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Mersin University • conversation
Jan. 18, 2024 • ~7 min

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.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
Jan. 10, 2024 • ~7 min

Mutton, an Indigenous woolly dog, died in 1859 − new analysis confirms precolonial lineage of this extinct breed, once kept for their wool

Dogs have lived with Indigenous Americans since before they came to the continent together 10,000 years ago. A new analysis reveals the lineage of one 1800s ‘woolly dog’ from the Pacific Northwest.

Logan Kistler, Curator of Archaeobotany and Archaeogenomics, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution • conversation
Dec. 14, 2023 • ~12 min

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.

Allessandra DiCorato | Broad Institute • mit
Nov. 23, 2023 • ~8 min

Florence Bell died unrecognised for her contributions to DNA science – decades on female researchers are still being sidelined

In the academic world, researchers are rewarded for publishing frequently. Not only is this affecting research quality but it is also hindering female scientists.

Natalia I. Kucirkova, Professor Reading and Early Childhood Development, The Open University • conversation
Nov. 22, 2023 • ~7 min

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.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
Nov. 16, 2023 • ~9 min

Jurassic Park: why we're still struggling to realise it 30 years on

New laboratory experiments add analytical rigour to the search for ancient biomolecules

Maria McNamara, Professor, Palaeobiology, University College Cork • conversation
Nov. 16, 2023 • ~8 min

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