Iron fuels immune cells – and it could make asthma worse

Asthma attacks can result from immune cells overreacting to a harmless allergen. Tamping down iron levels in certain immune cells can help control their activity.

Omid Akbari, Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California • conversation
May 14, 2024 ~5 min

AI system can predict the structures of life’s molecules with stunning accuracy – helping to solve one of biology’s biggest problems

The AI model can predict structures for a vast array of the proteins used by living organisms.

Richard Bayliss, Professor of Molecular Medicine, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds • conversation
May 10, 2024 ~8 min


Using MRI, engineers have found a way to detect light deep in the brain

The new technique could enable detailed studies of how brain cells develop and communicate with each other.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
May 10, 2024 ~6 min

Exploring the mysterious alphabet of sperm whales

MIT CSAIL and Project CETI researchers reveal complex communication patterns in sperm whales, deepening our understanding of animal language systems.

Rachel Gordon | MIT CSAIL • mit
May 7, 2024 ~8 min

Epigenomic analysis sheds light on risk factors for ALS

In a study of cells from nearly 400 ALS patients, researchers identified genomic regions with chemical modifications linked to disease progression.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
May 2, 2024 ~9 min

A Nasa rover has reached a promising place to search for fossilised life on Mars

The Perseverance rover has arrived at what’s thought to be an ancient shoreline on Mars.

Sean McMahon, Chancellor's Fellow in Astrobiology, The University of Edinburgh • conversation
April 23, 2024 ~7 min

A biomedical engineer pivots from human movement to women’s health

Postdoc Shaniel Bowen studies women's sexual anatomy and health while also working to interest young women in STEM careers.

Michaela Jarvis | School of Engineering • mit
April 12, 2024 ~7 min

Fossilized dinosaur eggshells can preserve amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, over millions of years

Calcite, the material making up fossilized eggshells, may preserve amino acids better than bone.

Evan Thomas Saitta, Postdoctoral Scholar in Paleontology, University of Chicago • conversation
April 9, 2024 ~9 min


When an antibiotic fails: MIT scientists are using AI to target “sleeper” bacteria

Most antibiotics target metabolically active bacteria, but with artificial intelligence, researchers can efficiently screen compounds that are lethal to dormant microbes.

Alex Ouyang | Abdul Latif Jameel Clinic for Machine Learning in Health • mit
April 8, 2024 ~4 min

MIT engineers design flexible “skeletons” for soft, muscle-powered robots

New modular, spring-like devices maximize the work of live muscle fibers so they can be harnessed to power biohybrid bots.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
April 8, 2024 ~8 min

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