All Massachusetts Institute of Technology articles
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NewsResearchers develop UV and machine learning-aided method to detect microbial contamination in cell cultures
This is the first novel technology that utilises machine learning to analyse unique ultraviolet light “fingerprints” on cell cultures to quickly identify the presence of contamination.
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NewsMiso made in space tastes nuttier, researchers on the ISS find
A new study reveals how researchers successfully made miso on the International Space Station (ISS). They found that the miso smelled and tasted similar to miso fermented on Earth—just with a slightly nuttier, more roasted flavor. The team hopes this research will help broaden the culinary options available to astronauts.
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NewsH5N1 influenza viral lineages beginning to evade human immunological defenses
A new computer modelling approach predicts the protein-antibody interactions of the potentially pandemic-causing H5N1 avian influenza virus lineage. It helps to understand the viral evolution to ensure high vaccine efficacy.
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NewsTunnel-building virus: How Zika transmits from mother to fetus
For the first time, researchers demonstrated the component involved in the tunneling nanotubes built by Zika virus to infect placental cells, an infection mechanism which is unique to the Zika virus alone.
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NewsStudy discovers tuberculosis genes necessary for airborne transmission
Tuberculosis bacteria rely on a family of genes that help them survive the challenging journey from one person’s lungs to another person’s during coughing, sneezing or talking, according to a study that offers new targets for tuberculosis therapies.
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NewsA new vaccine approach could help combat future coronavirus pandemics
Researchers are able to create a mosaic nanoparticle vaccine - mosaic-8, based on the sarbecovirus receptor-binding proteins (RBDs), which would help combatting SARS-CoV-2 variants and other coronavirus subtypes.
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NewsStudy identifies protein that helps COVID-19 virus evade immune system
Discovery of a new viral evasion mechanism, and of a monoclonal antibody that subverts it, is an advance in immunotherapy that offers the prospect of effective host-directed treatment to combat infections.
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NewsNew study reveals that marine cyanobacteria can communicate using membrane nanotubes
Transfer of substances via membrane nanotubes not only occurs in cyanobacteria of the same lineage, but also between those of different genders, something that has been verified not only at the laboratory level, but also in natural ocean samples.
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NewsNew study finds possibility of nitrogen-fixing organelles
Scientists who discovered nitrogen-fixing symbiotic organisms exhibiting behaviors similar to organelles suggest these symbiotic organisms – UCYN-A, a species of cyanobacteria – may be evolving organelle-like characteristics.
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NewsProtein found in human sweat may protect against Lyme disease
Researchers also found that a variant of the protein is not as protective against the bacterium and increases susceptibility to the disease.
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NewsB cell deficient patients gain protective T cell immunity after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, infection
Researchers found that vaccinated B cell-deficient individuals had significantly reduced risk of moderate and severe disease in comparison to those who were not vaccinated, despite an absence of anti-spike antibody responses.
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NewsTiny magnetic beads produce an optical signal that can detect pathogens
Engineers have identified a new optical signature in a widely used class of magnetic beads, which could be used to quickly detect contaminants in a variety of diagnostic tests.
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NewsResearchers uncover novel bacterial communication system to combat AMR
Using a sophisticated mass spectrometry technology developed at SMART and MIT, researchers have discovered that the enzyme RlmN is a stress sensor for reactive oxygen species (ROS) – highly reactive molecules which can cause damage to bacteria. Source: SMART AMR (L to R) SMART researchers Dr Cui Liang, ...
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NewsAI deployed to find promising antibiotic to fight evasive hospital superbug
Scientists have used artificial intelligence to discover a new antibiotic which could be used to fight a deadly, drug-resistant pathogen that strikes vulnerable hospital patients.
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NewsProchlorococcus ancestors rafted out to sea on chitin particles
Scientists propose that ancestors of Prochlorococcus hitched a ride on passing exoskeleton particles, using the particles as rafts to venture further out to sea. These chitin rafts may have also provided essential nutrients, fueling and sustaining the microbes along their journey.