Model analyzes how viruses escape the immune system

Using this computational system, researchers can identify viral protein sequences that could make better vaccine targets.

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mathematics genetics artificial-intelligence covid-19 hivaids broad-institute microbes vaccines viruses research school-of-engineering school-of-science electrical-engineering-computer-science-eecs computer-science-and-technology computer-science-and-artificial-intelligence-laboratory-csail national-science-foundation-nsf biological-engineering mit-schwarzman-college-of-computing

RNA molecules are masters of their own destiny

Research suggests the products of transcription — RNA molecules — regulate their own production through a feedback loop.

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physics chemistry genetics biology rna research drug-development school-of-engineering school-of-science whitehead-institute chemical-engineering

3 Questions: Phillip Sharp on the discoveries that enabled RNA vaccines for Covid-19

Curiosity-driven basic science in the 1970s laid the groundwork for today’s leading vaccines against the novel coronavirus.

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genetics covid-19 biology pandemic rna vaccines history-of-science research school-of-science faculty 3-questions koch-institute

Regulating the regulators

Tiny microRNAs help destroy unwanted messenger RNAs in cells. New research finds how the body keeps them in check.

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genetics crispr biology rna research whitehead-institute

Silencing gene expression to cure complex diseases

Immuneering uses bioinformatics to develop new medicines while also helping large pharmaceutical companies improve their treatments.

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health medicine genetics cancer startups biology rna alzheimers data disease research drug-development school-of-engineering innovation-and-entrepreneurship-ie alumniae biological-engineering

To make mini-organs grow faster, give them a squeeze

Study finds that compressing cells, and crowding their contents, can coax them to grow and divide.

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genetics cancer biology research cells mechanical-engineering school-of-engineering biological-engineering

Neuroscientists discover a molecular mechanism that allows memories to form

Modifications to chromosomes in “engram” neurons control the encoding and retrieval of memories.

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dna genetics neuroscience memory research school-of-science brain-and-cognitive-sciences picower-institute

Nanoparticles can turn off genes in bone marrow cells

Using these new particles, researchers could develop treatments for heart disease and other conditions.

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genetics rna research school-of-engineering nanoscience-and-nanotechnology koch-institute institute-for-medical-engineering-and-science-imes chemical-engeering

New gene regulation model provides insight into brain development

A well-known protein family binds to many more RNA sequences than previously thought in order to help neurons grow.

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genetics neuroscience development biology data research school-of-science computer-modeling

Scientists discover new rules about “runaway” transcription

Findings related to bacterial gene expression overturn fundamental assumptions about basic biological pathways.

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dna physics genetics bacteria biology rna research school-of-science