Yang Tan Collective News Home | Yang Tan Collective News MIT’s K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics celebrates Sierra Leone’s inaugural class of orthotic and prosthetic clinicians K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health launch specialized program to train future clinicians on the fabrication of artificial limbs and braces for people with disabilities CRISPR and the future of gene editing: scientific advances, genetic therapies, & more Feng Zhang, a professor of neuroscience at MIT and a pioneering figure in gene editing, joins Peter to discuss his groundbreaking work in CRISPR technology, as well as his early contributions to optogenetics. Neuroscience and Beyond Ed Boyden: How to develop technologies worthy of a Nobel prize | Optogenetics & Expansion Microscopy Brain pathways that control dopamine release may influence motor control The newly identified pathways appear to relay emotional information that helps to shape the motivation to take action. Seven with MIT ties elected to National Academy of Medicine for 2024 Professors Matthew Vander Heiden and Fan Wang, along with five MIT alumni, are honored for their outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. Connecting to the healthcare of tomorrow How life-saving wearables, regenerative medicine, and AI-assisted hospitals are helping empower patients and doctors. Injected ‘nanodiscs’ might provide brain stimulation therapy without implants Injected ‘nanodiscs’ might provide brain stimulation therapy without implants A new method makes high-resolution imaging more accessible Labs that can’t afford expensive super-resolution microscopes could use a new expansion technique to image nanoscale structures inside cells. Injected ‘Nanodiscs’ Could Bring Brain Stimulation Therapy Without Implants Microscopic magnetic nanodiscs could provide a much less invasive means of providing deep brain stimulation, a new study says. Solar-powered desalination system requires no extra batteries Because it doesn’t need expensive energy storage for times without sunshine, the technology could provide communities with drinking water at low costs. Augmenting Humans: From bionic limbs, to smart skin and robot helpers From robot helpers to smart body parts, the line between human and machine is blurring. This hour, TED speakers designing tech that enhances us without diminishing our humanity. Super Intelligence Artificial intelligence has begun to exhibit early signs of agency. Are we on a path to super intelligence? Self destruction? Or is the potential promise and threat of AI being overblown? Harnessing the power of placebo for pain relief MIT researchers investigate the neural circuits that underlie placebos’ ability to relieve chronic and acute pain. New clues to how placebo effect works could lead to drug-free treatments for chronic pain Scientists “reverse engineer” placebo effect in mice by stimulating brain areas involved in pain-relief response 2024 Innovators Under 35 Former K. Lisa Yang ICoN Graduate Fellow is laying the groundwork for better cochlear implants and other brain-machine interfaces 2024 Innovators Under 35 Former J. Douglas Tan Postdoctoral Fellow’s imaging technique could reveal secrets of how the brain works. Amos Winter MIT Professor, Racecar Driver, and Super Tifosi Yang Tan Collective scientists are recognized for their autism research Menglong Zeng and Chenjie Shen named Simons Foundation Bridge to Independence Award recipients Bionic leg restores natural walking speeds and steps: ‘I didn’t feel like my leg had been amputated’ Amy Pietrafitta has learned to walk seven times. Brain-driven prosthesis marks scientific advance for people with amputations It’s a scientific advance that allows for a smoother gait and enhanced ability to navigate obstacles. Bionic leg makes walking quicker and easier for amputees, trial shows Brain-controlled device results in more natural gait and improves stability on stairs and uneven terrain Novel surgery meets bionics in breakthrough for limb amputation Leg amputations haven’t changed much in a very long time. Prosthesis driven by nervous system makes walking quicker easier for amputees Cutting-edge prosthetic limbs have the power to empower amputees with a natural walking gait. A prosthesis driven by the nervous system helps people with amputation walk naturally A new surgical procedure gives people more neural feedback from their residual limb. With it, seven patients walked more naturally and navigated obstacles. Bionic arms and robotic thumbs Tech Life podcast featuring a conversation about the K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics’ work in Sierra Leone GEAR Center student awards GEAR Center student, Aditya Ghodgaonkar, wins MIT de Florez Graduate Design Award Inventors & Innovators: Hugh Herr and Biomechatronics The New Age of Bionics 30 Under 30 – Asia – Healthcare & Science (2024) Sapna Sinha, postdoctoral fellow, Yang Tan Collective MIT scientists learn how to control muscles with light A new study suggests optogenetics can drive muscle contraction with greater control and less fatigue than electrical stimulation. Five MIT faculty elected to the National Academy of Sciences for 2024 Guoping Feng, Piotr Indyk, Daniel Kleitman, Daniela Rus, Senthil Todadri, and nine alumni are recognized by their peers for their outstanding contributions to research. From CRISPR Breakthroughs, Life-Altering Therapies at MIT Fast-moving discovery in gene-editing arena leads to promising new treatments “I wanted to work on something that didn’t exist” Polina Anikeeva, PhD ’09, followed up her ultrathin brain probes with tools to study the gut-brain connection—and now leads an MIT research center investigating neural pathways throughout the body. A new computational technique could make it easier to engineer useful proteins MIT researchers plan to search for proteins that could be used to measure electrical activity in the brain. Beyond the brain Novel interfaces with the peripheral nervous system are helping McGovern scientists explore new ways to treat injury and disease. Imaging method reveals new cells and structures in human brain tissue A new microscopy technique that enables high-resolution imaging could one day help doctors diagnose and treat brain tumors. K. Lisa Yang Global Engineering and Research Center will prioritize innovations for resource-constrained communities Collaborative hub founded by philanthropist Lisa Yang will catalyze academic innovation and result in real-world, global impact. Deep neural networks show promise as models of human hearing Study shows computational models trained to perform auditory tasks display an internal organization similar to that of the human auditory cortex. A new way to see the activity inside a living cell Using fluorescent labels that switch on and off, MIT engineers can study how molecules in a cell interact to control the cell’s behavior. Search algorithm reveals nearly 200 new kinds of CRISPR systems 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, and more. New AI models emulate natural intelligence Two studies find “self-supervised” models can show activity patterns similar to the mammalian brain. Soft optical fibers block pain while moving and stretching with the body The fibers could help with testing treatments for nerve-related pain. New cellular census maps the complexity of a primate brain Guoping Feng and colleagues analyzed millions of cells to survey cellular diversity in the brain of the marmoset. Thousands of programmable DNA-cutters found in algae, snails, and other organisms New research shows that RNA-guided enzymes called Fanzors are widespread among eukaryotic organisms. Making invisible therapy targets visible A powerful new technology reveals hidden molecular structures in cells and tissues. Researchers uncover new CRISPR-like system in animals that can edit the human genome The first RNA-guided DNA-cutting enzyme found in eukaryotes, Fanzor could one day be harnessed to edit DNA more precisely than CRISPR/Cas systems. Unraveling connections between the brain and gut MIT engineers’ new technology can probe the neural circuits that influence hunger, mood, and a variety of diseases. Refining mental health diagnoses Maedbh King is building computer models to help clinicians improve diagnosis and treatment for young people with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Francesca Riccio-Ackerman Works to Improve Access to Prosthetics PhD student is designing and building a sustainable care and delivery model in Sierra Leone. Bionics Researchers Develop Technologies to Ease Pain and Transcend Human Limitations Professor of media arts and sciences Hugh Herr SM ’93 and graduate student Christopher Shallal are working on next-generation biomimetic limbs. 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 gene therapy and cancer therapy. MIT, Sierra Leone collaborate to strengthen orthotic and prosthetic care in African nation The Yang Center for Bionics and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation aim to develop an integrative approach to strengthening specialized care in Sierra Leone. Self-assembling proteins can store cellular “memories” Using these engineered proteins, researchers can record histories that reveal when certain genes are activated or how cells respond to a drug. The ways we move McGovern researchers are studying how our bodies and minds work together to control movement. New CRISPR-based tool inserts large DNA sequences at desired sites in cells Known as PASTE, the technique holds potential for treating a variety of diseases caused by faulty genes. Ila Fiete wins Swartz Prize for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience Society for Neuroscience honors BCS professor for breakthrough research modeling a component of the brain’s navigational system. RNA-sensing system controls protein expression in cells based on specific cell states A new technology called RADARS allows scientists to detect and target specific cell types and states, opening up potential applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. Magnetic sensors track muscle length Using a new technology, researchers hope to create better control systems for prosthetic limbs. Studies of autism tend to exclude women, researchers find A commonly used screening test creates a gender gap that may hinder diagnosis and treatment for women and girls. Microscopy technique reveals hidden nanostructures in cells and tissues Separating densely packed molecules before imaging allows them to become visible for the first time. MIT scientists discover new antiviral defense system in bacteria Prokaryotes can detect hallmark viral proteins and trigger cell death through a process seen across all domains of life. Three distinct brain circuits in the thalamus contribute to Parkinson’s symptoms Targeting these circuits could offer a new way to reverse motor dysfunction and depression in Parkinson’s patients. Convenience-sized RNA editing MIT scientists expand CRISPR toolkit with new, compact Cas7-11 enzyme. New research center focused on brain-body relationship established at MIT K. Lisa Yang Brain-Body Center to investigate the brain’s complex relationship with other body systems. Thalamic brain circuit helps hold information in mind This circuit, which weakens with age, could offer a target to help prevent age-related decline in spatial memory. Using deep neural networks to understand pitch perception Computational modeling shows that both our ears and our environment influence how we hear. Integrative computational neuroscience center established at MIT The K. Lisa Yang ICoN center will use mathematical tools to transform data into a deep understanding of the brain. Bionics center established at MIT Interdisciplinary research center funded by philanthropist Lisa Yang aims to mitigate disability through technologies that marry human physiology with electromechanics. New programmable gene editing proteins found outside of CRISPR systems RNA-guided enzymes are more diverse and widespread than previously believed. Human protein delivers molecular therapy to cells The programmable system is a step toward safer, targeted delivery of gene editing and other molecular therapeutics. Some brain disorders exhibit similar circuit malfunctions Study suggests a common mechanism underlies some behavioral traits seen in autism and schizophrenia. A large-scale tool to investigate the function of ASD genes Scientists apply the “Perturb-Seq” method to a living organism for the first time. Recent News 30 Under 30 – Asia – Healthcare & Science (2024) Sapna Sinha Researcher, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology MIT scientists learn how to control muscles with light A new study suggests optogenetics can drive muscle contraction with greater control and less fatigue than electrical stimulation. From CRISPR Breakthroughs, Life-Altering Therapies at MIT Fast-moving discovery in gene-editing arena leads to promising new treatments “I wanted to work on something that didn’t exist” Polina Anikeeva, PhD ’09, followed up her ultrathin brain probes with tools to study the gut-brain connection—and now leads an MIT research center investigating neural pathways throughout the body. A new computational technique could make it easier to engineer useful proteins MIT researchers plan to search for proteins that could be used to measure electrical activity in the brain. Beyond the brain Novel interfaces with the peripheral nervous system are helping McGovern scientists explore new ways to treat injury and disease. Imaging method reveals new cells and structures in human brain tissue A new microscopy technique that enables high-resolution imaging could one day help doctors diagnose and treat brain tumors. K. Lisa Yang Global Engineering and Research Center will prioritize innovations for resource-constrained communities Collaborative hub founded by philanthropist Lisa Yang will catalyze academic innovation and result in real-world, global impact. Deep neural networks show promise as models of human hearing Study shows computational models trained to perform auditory tasks display an internal organization similar to that of the human auditory cortex. A new way to see the activity inside a living cell Using fluorescent labels that switch on and off, MIT engineers can study how molecules in a cell interact to control the cell’s behavior. Search algorithm reveals nearly 200 new kinds of CRISPR systems 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, and more. New AI models emulate natural intelligence Two studies find “self-supervised” models can show activity patterns similar to the mammalian brain. Soft optical fibers block pain while moving and stretching with the body The fibers could help with testing treatments for nerve-related pain. New cellular census maps the complexity of a primate brain Guoping Feng and colleagues analyzed millions of cells to survey cellular diversity in the brain of the marmoset. Thousands of programmable DNA-cutters found in algae, snails, and other organisms New research shows that RNA-guided enzymes called Fanzors are widespread among eukaryotic organisms. Making invisible therapy targets visible A powerful new technology reveals hidden molecular structures in cells and tissues. Researchers uncover new CRISPR-like system in animals that can edit the human genome The first RNA-guided DNA-cutting enzyme found in eukaryotes, Fanzor could one day be harnessed to edit DNA more precisely than CRISPR/Cas systems. Unraveling connections between the brain and gut MIT engineers’ new technology can probe the neural circuits that influence hunger, mood, and a variety of diseases. Refining mental health diagnoses Maedbh King is building computer models to help clinicians improve diagnosis and treatment for young people with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Francesca Riccio-Ackerman Works to Improve Access to Prosthetics PhD student is designing and building a sustainable care and delivery model in Sierra Leone. Bionics Researchers Develop Technologies to Ease Pain and Transcend Human Limitations Professor of media arts and sciences Hugh Herr SM ’93 and graduate student Christopher Shallal are working on next-generation biomimetic limbs. 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 gene therapy and cancer therapy. MIT, Sierra Leone collaborate to strengthen orthotic and prosthetic care in African nation The Yang Center for Bionics and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation aim to develop an integrative approach to strengthening specialized care in Sierra Leone. Self-assembling proteins can store cellular “memories” Using these engineered proteins, researchers can record histories that reveal when certain genes are activated or how cells respond to a drug. The ways we move McGovern researchers are studying how our bodies and minds work together to control movement. New CRISPR-based tool inserts large DNA sequences at desired sites in cells Known as PASTE, the technique holds potential for treating a variety of diseases caused by faulty genes. Ila Fiete wins Swartz Prize for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience Society for Neuroscience honors BCS professor for breakthrough research modeling a component of the brain’s navigational system. RNA-sensing system controls protein expression in cells based on specific cell states A new technology called RADARS allows scientists to detect and target specific cell types and states, opening up potential applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. Magnetic sensors track muscle length Using a new technology, researchers hope to create better control systems for prosthetic limbs. Studies of autism tend to exclude women, researchers find A commonly used screening test creates a gender gap that may hinder diagnosis and treatment for women and girls. Microscopy technique reveals hidden nanostructures in cells and tissues Separating densely packed molecules before imaging allows them to become visible for the first time. MIT scientists discover new antiviral defense system in bacteria Prokaryotes can detect hallmark viral proteins and trigger cell death through a process seen across all domains of life. Three distinct brain circuits in the thalamus contribute to Parkinson’s symptoms Targeting these circuits could offer a new way to reverse motor dysfunction and depression in Parkinson’s patients. Convenience-sized RNA editing MIT scientists expand CRISPR toolkit with new, compact Cas7-11 enzyme. New research center focused on brain-body relationship established at MIT K. Lisa Yang Brain-Body Center to investigate the brain’s complex relationship with other body systems. Thalamic brain circuit helps hold information in mind This circuit, which weakens with age, could offer a target to help prevent age-related decline in spatial memory. Using deep neural networks to understand pitch perception Computational modeling shows that both our ears and our environment influence how we hear. Integrative computational neuroscience center established at MIT The K. Lisa Yang ICoN center will use mathematical tools to transform data into a deep understanding of the brain. Bionics center established at MIT Interdisciplinary research center funded by philanthropist Lisa Yang aims to mitigate disability through technologies that marry human physiology with electromechanics. New programmable gene editing proteins found outside of CRISPR systems RNA-guided enzymes are more diverse and widespread than previously believed. Human protein delivers molecular therapy to cells The programmable system is a step toward safer, targeted delivery of gene editing and other molecular therapeutics. Some brain disorders exhibit similar circuit malfunctions Study suggests a common mechanism underlies some behavioral traits seen in autism and schizophrenia. A large-scale tool to investigate the function of ASD genes Scientists apply the “Perturb-Seq” method to a living organism for the first time.
