Study of facial bacteria could lead to probiotics that promote healthy skin

During the early teen years, many new strains of C. acnes colonize the skin on our faces. This could be an optimal time for probiotic treatment.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
May 1, 2025 ~9 min

Gene circuits enable more precise control of gene therapy

The circuits could help researchers develop new treatments for Fragile X syndrome and other diseases caused by mutations of a single gene.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
April 28, 2025 ~7 min


New study reveals how cleft lip and cleft palate can arise

MIT biologists have found that defects in some transfer RNA molecules can lead to the formation of these common conditions.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
April 17, 2025 ~7 min

Molecules that fight infection also act on the brain, inducing anxiety or sociability

New research on a cytokine called IL-17 adds to growing evidence that immune molecules can influence behavior during illness.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
April 7, 2025 ~9 min

To the brain, Esperanto and Klingon appear the same as English or Mandarin

A new study finds natural and invented languages elicit similar responses in the brain’s language-processing network.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
March 18, 2025 ~8 min

MIT engineers turn skin cells directly into neurons for cell therapy

A new, highly efficient process for performing this conversion could make it easier to develop therapies for spinal cord injuries or diseases like ALS.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
March 13, 2025 ~7 min

Study: Tuberculosis relies on protective genes during airborne transmission

The findings provide new drug targets for stopping the infection’s spread.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
March 10, 2025 ~10 min

A new vaccine approach could help combat future coronavirus pandemics

The nanoparticle-based vaccine shows promise against many variants of SARS-CoV-2, as well as related sarbecoviruses that could jump to humans.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
Jan. 23, 2025 ~9 min


Tiny, wireless antennas use light to monitor cellular communication

As part of a high-resolution biosensing device without wires, the antennas could help researchers decode intricate electrical signals sent by cells.

Adam Zewe | MIT News • mit
Dec. 20, 2024 ~8 min

To design better water filters, MIT engineers look to manta rays

New research shows the filter-feeders strike a natural balance between permeability and selectivity that could inform design of water treatment systems.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
Nov. 25, 2024 ~8 min

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