Biomedicine Breakthrough: Complete Gene Insertion Now Possible in Human Cells
The gene-editing technique employs prime editors along with advanced enzymes known as recombinases. This method has the potential to lead to universal gene therapies that…
Broad Institute News
The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a biomedical and genomic research center known for its collaborative approach to science. Founded in 2004, the institute emerged from a decade of research collaborations among MIT, Harvard University, and its affiliated hospitals, and was established with a significant donation from philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. The Broad Institute’s mission is to dramatically accelerate the understanding and treatment of disease. The organization brings together a broad range of scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, medicine, and computational science, to tackle complex challenges in biomedicine. It is particularly renowned for its work in genomics, having contributed significantly to the Human Genome Project and continuing to lead in areas such as genome sequencing, cancer research, and the development of therapies for genetic diseases. The Broad Institute also fosters open sharing of tools and data, setting a standard for collaborative scientific research.
Unveiling the Hidden Molecular World of Exercise
Prolonged physical activity in rats results in profound changes to RNA, proteins, and metabolites in nearly all tissues, providing clues to many human health conditions….
Massive Genetic Study Uncovers 95 Regions of the Genome Linked to PTSD
Results from the most extensive genetic study on PTSD so far may shed light on why the condition affects only certain individuals following traumatic experiences….
Harvard and MIT Scientists Discover Cholesterol-Busting Microbes in the Gut
Research identifies multiple types of bacteria that metabolize cholesterol in individuals with reduced cholesterol levels. Alterations in the gut microbiome are associated with a range…
Harvard/MIT Study: Schizophrenia and Aging May Share a Common Biological Foundation
Cognitive impairment in both conditions might be linked to closely coordinated genetic alterations in two kinds of brain cells, providing hints for potential treatments. Researchers…
Advancing Disease Prevention With Cutting-Edge Genetic Diagnostics
As part of a nationwide collaboration, Broad Clinical Labs researchers have optimized 10 polygenic scores for use in clinical research as part of a study…
CRISPR’s Hidden Universe: FLSHclust Algorithm Unlocks Secret Gene Modules
Researchers using the new FLSHclust algorithm discovered 188 unique CRISPR-linked gene modules, including a novel type VII CRISPR-Cas system, in a massive protein database. This…
CRISPR’s Hidden Treasures: 188 New Systems Unveiled by Smart Algorithm
By analyzing bacterial data, researchers have discovered thousands of rare new CRISPR systems that have a range of functions and could enable gene editing, diagnostics,…
Double Trouble for Cancer Tumors: The Dual-Action Immunotherapy Breakthrough
The small molecule, now in clinical trials, increases activity of immune cells and sensitivity of tumors to immune attack. Cancer immunotherapy drugs called PD-1 inhibitors…
Nature’s Nano-Syringes: Harnessing Bacterial Machines for Next-Gen Medicine
Bacterial Injection System Delivers Proteins in Mice and Human Cells With further development, the programmable system could be used in a range of applications including…
New Clues to Autism Mystery: Different Risk Genes With Same Effects on Brain Development
Harvard University and Broad Institute researchers use 3D, miniature models of the human brain to advance disease understanding. Autism spectrum disorder has been associated with…
Comprehensive New Atlas of Cells That Carry Blood to the Human Brain
Single-cell gene expression analyses of human cerebrovascular cells can help reveal new drug targets for Huntington’s disease. While neurons and glial cells are by far…
New Approach to Gene Therapy: Prime Editing System Inserts Entire Genes in Human Cells
A CRISPR-based gene editing technique called twin prime editing could be a new and safer approach to gene therapy. Researchers at the Broad Institute of…
Next Generation Prime Gene Editing Systems Expands Technology’s Therapeutic and Research Applications
Researchers have boosted the efficiency of prime editing, a highly versatile CRISPR-based gene editing technology, and used the improved system to correct disease mutations in…
Scientists Harness Human Protein To Deliver RNA Molecular Medicines to Cells
Made of components found in the human body, the programmable system is a step toward safer, targeted delivery of gene editing and other molecular therapeutics….
Early Antiviral Response in the Nose May Determine Mild / Severe Course of COVID-19
Cells taken from patients at the time of diagnosis who later developed severe COVID-19 show a muted antiviral response, study finds. Researchers studied cells collected…
High Capacity DNA Data Storage: Could All Your Digital Photos Be Stored As DNA?
A technique for labeling and retrieving DNA data files from a large pool could help make DNA data storage feasible. On Earth right now, there…
New Cell Atlas of COVID-19 Pathology Reveals How the Coronavirus “Wreaks Havoc in the Lungs”
Single-cell analysis of autopsy samples from COVID-19 patients shows how the lungs repeatedly tried, and failed, to repair themselves. Scientists from several hospitals and research…