Microbes and minerals may have set off Earth’s oxygenation

Scientists propose a new mechanism by which oxygen may have first built up in the atmosphere

Jennifer Chu | MIT News Office • mit
March 14, 2022 ~6 min

An “oracle” for predicting the evolution of gene regulation

Researchers create a mathematical framework to examine the genome and detect signatures of natural selection, deciphering the evolutionary past and future of non-coding DNA.

Raleigh McElvery | Department of Biology • mit
March 11, 2022 ~9 min


New computational tool predicts cell fates and genetic perturbations

The technique can help predict a cell’s path over time, such as what type of cell it will become.

Greta Friar | Whitehead Institute • mit
Feb. 3, 2022 ~9 min

In Down syndrome cells, genome-wide disruptions mimic a senescence-like state

Extra chromosome alters chromosomal conformation and DNA accessibility in neural progenitor cells, disrupting gene transcription and cell functions much like in cellular aging.

David Orenstein | Picower Institute • mit
Jan. 10, 2022 ~7 min

3 Questions: Kristin Knouse on the liver’s regenerative capabilities

The clinically-trained cell biologist exploits the liver’s unique capacities in search of new medical applications.

Grace van Deelen | Department of Biology • mit
Dec. 15, 2021 ~7 min

Study reveals a protein’s key contribution to heterogeneity of neurons

Tomosyn’s tight regulation of neurotransmitter release distinguishes functions of two neuron classes at the fly neuromuscular junction.

David Orenstein | Picower Institute for Learning and Memory • mit
Dec. 7, 2021 ~7 min

How molecular clusters in the nucleus interact with chromosomes

A new study finds the clusters form small, stable droplets and may give the genome a gel-like structure.

Anne Trafton | MIT News Office • mit
Nov. 24, 2021 ~6 min

Peeking into a chrysalis, videos reveal growth of butterfly wing scales

The findings could inform the design of new materials such as iridescent windows or waterproof textiles.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News Office • mit
Nov. 22, 2021 ~8 min


Investigating pathogens and their life cycles, for the benefit of society

Senior Desmond Edwards has an insatiable curiosity about how the human body works — and how diseases stop it from working.

Leah Campbell | School of Science • mit
Nov. 21, 2021 ~9 min

A stealthy way to combat tumors

MIT biologists show that helper immune cells disguised as cancer cells can help rejuvenate T cells that attack tumors.

Anne Trafton | MIT News Office • mit
Nov. 19, 2021 ~6 min

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