PhotMacArthur "geniuses" in machine learning and synthetic biology to serve as faculty co-leads; Nobel laureate to chair advisory board of new reasearch center.
Biological Networks and Machine Learning
Image Credit: Dr. Ernest Fraenkel
Research in this area seeks to discover and model the molecular interactions and regulatory networks that underlie phenotypes at the cellular and organismal level, often involving the use of advanced machine learning approaches. Also includes studies of cellular interaction networks (e.g., in the nervous system).
School of Science appoints eight faculty members to named professorships
Researchers identify important role for gene in 16p11.2 deletion autism
Study finds that major vault protein is needed for homeostatic plasticity.
In a new study of one of the most common genetic causes of autism, neuroscientists at MIT’s Picower Institute for Learning and Memory have identified a molecular mechanism that appears to undermine the ability of neurons in affected mice to properly incorporate changes driven by experience. The findings, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, suggest that a particular gene, MVP, is likely consequential in people with 16p11.2 deletion syndrome.
Timothy Lu seeks to combat disease by reprogramming biological systems
Synthetic Biologist hopes to develop treatments for cancer and other diseases.
In high school and college, Timothy Lu spent a lot of time programming computers. But as his college graduation approached, he turned his attention toward programming biological systems. The field of synthetic biology was just beginning to emerge, and he wanted to be part of it.
Kevin M. Esvelt
Next-generation optogenetic molecules control single neurons
Focused laser beam could help scientists map connections amoung neurons that underlie behavior.
Ed Boyden
David Sontag
Caroline Uhler
Domitilla Del Vecchio
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