MIT News – MIT Department of Chemistry

Rows and rows of pink and turquoise circles with sketches of variations of p53.

Cancer’s Secret Safety Net

Researchers uncover a hidden mechanism that allows cancer to develop aggressive mutations.

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“What’s remarkable is that intelectin-2 (mltln2) operates in two complementary ways. It helps stabilize the mucus layer, and if that barrier is compromised, it can directly neutralize or restrain bacteria that begin to escape,” says Laura Kiessling. On left, mltln2 stabilizes the mucus layer on healthy tissue. On right, it neutralizes bacteria in an inflamed GI tract.

A protein found in the GI tract can neutralize many bacteria

The protein, known as intelectin-2, also helps to strengthen the mucus barrier lining the digestive tract.

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In tests in human cancer cells, a derivative of verticillin A showed particular promise against a type of pediatric brain cancer called diffuse midline glioma.

MIT chemists synthesize a fungal compound that holds promise for treating brain cancer

Preliminary studies find derivatives of the compound, known as verticillin A, can kill some types of glioma cells.

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Ernest Opoku poses next to an MIT building entrance at 77 Mass. Ave.

Quantum modeling for breakthroughs in materials science and sustainable energy

Quantum chemist Ernest Opoku is working on computational methods to study how electrons behave as a School of Science Dean’s Postdoctoral Fellow.

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Three speakers seated on a stage in conversation.

MIT Energy Initiative conference spotlights research priorities amidst a changing energy landscape

Industry leaders agree collaboration is key to advancing critical technologies.

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Professor Danna Freedman smiles in front of a silver sculpture.

Leading quantum at an inflection point

The MIT Quantum Initiative is taking shape, leveraging quantum breakthroughs to drive the future of scientific and technological progress.

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Infinite stars as photographed by a telescope.

Astronomical data collection of Taurus Molecular Cloud-1 reveals over 100 different molecules

The discovery will help researchers understand how chemicals form and change before stars and planets are born.

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Matthew Shoulders named head of the Department of Chemistry

A leading researcher in protein folding biochemistry and next-generation protein engineering techniques will advance chemistry research and education.

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Six microscopic images of red-tinted crystals.

Chemists create red fluorescent dyes that may enable clearer biomedical imaging

The new dyes are based on boron-containing molecules that were previously too unstable for practical use.

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Lithium ions moving from an electrolyte solution to a cobalt oxide electrode.

A simple formula could guide the design of faster-charging, longer-lasting batteries

MIT researchers developed a model that explains lithium intercalation rates in lithium-ion batteries.

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A lab technician working with DNA samples

This MIT spinout is taking biomolecule storage out of the freezer

Cache DNA has developed technologies that preserve biomolecules at room temperature, making storing and transporting samples less expensive and more reliable.

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Chemotherapy drugs carried by a bottlebrush polymer

“Bottlebrush” particles deliver big chemotherapy payloads directly to cancer cells

Outfitted with antibodies that guide them to the tumor site, the new nanoparticles could reduce the side effects of treatment.

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A boost for the precision of genome editing

Researchers develop a fast-acting, cell-permeable protein system to control CRISPR-Cas9, reducing off-target effects and advancing gene therapy.

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