MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Space Pharma secures EU grant for space-based drug development. Ingenuity Mars helicopter repurposed as weather station. NASA identifies Orion heat shield damage cause. Solar storms increase satellite collision risks.

The Orlando VA Healthcare System celebrates Jeremy Goldberg and Dr. Michelle Petrovic, selected as MIT Catalyst Fellows, addressing unmet medical needs through a partnership between MIT and the Veterans Health Administration Innovation Ecosystem.

Don Bryant, Penn State's Ernest C. Pollard Professor Emeritus of Biotechnology, passed away on Aug. 28. During his 41-year tenure, he published nearly 450 papers, mentored 86 graduate students and 38 postdoctoral researchers, and established a legacy of excellence in biochemistry and molecular biology. Bryant's contributions were foundational to the department's success, and he remained dedicated to his work until his final days. His impact extended beyond his lab, influencing the field of photosynthesis and inspiring colleagues and students alike.

New research suggests 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) may primarily target ribosomal RNA, not DNA, in cancer cells, potentially changing future drug use. The study found 5-FU's efficacy depends more on RNA interaction than DNA damage, challenging long-held beliefs about its mechanism.

Synbio, a discipline merging biology and engineering, designs new biological components and systems to improve heart, lung, blood, and sleep conditions. It enables targeted disease models, precision medicine, and biosensors. NHLBI funds research like KaloCyte's artificial red blood cells, Ying Mei's mini beating hearts, and Deblina Sarkar's cell rover for intracellular sensing, highlighting synbio's potential to revolutionize disease treatment.

MIT and Cambridge researchers unveiled AI-powered ChemAI to accelerate cancer drug discovery, using machine learning on millions of data points to predict drug interactions, potentially shortening development timelines and revolutionizing cancer therapy.

The 115th Nobel Prizes, established by Alfred Nobel, include awards in Medicine, Chemistry, and more, with laureates like Victor Ambros, Gary Ruvkun, David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John M. Jumper. Ambros and Ruvkun discovered microRNA, influencing drug development for conditions like heart failure and cancer. Baker's AI-driven protein design and Hassabis and Jumper's AlphaFold advancements revolutionize protein structure prediction and therapeutic development.

The FDA approved Notal Vision's home OCT device, Scanly, in May 2024 for monitoring retinal diseases like nAMD. Scanly uses spectral-domain OCT technology and an AI-based algorithm to estimate fluid volume, enabling efficient at-home monitoring. This innovation aligns with the introduction of longer-acting treatments, reducing patient treatment burden and enhancing personalized care.

Alex Bonnyman, Director of Engineering Operations at Sunflower Therapeutics, is transforming protein manufacturing and advocating for women in STEM. She leads R&D for advanced, small-footprint manufacturing technologies, aiming to make bio-produced products more accessible. Bonnyman emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and mentorship for women in STEM, highlighting the potential of her work to address global health challenges and food supply issues.

MIT President Sally Kornbluth introduces MIT HEALS, a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing urgent health challenges through talent development, fostering collaborations, and building bridges between institutions. The initiative has received support from various sources, including the Biswas Family Foundation and Analog Devices, and will focus on areas such as AI and life science, low-cost diagnostics, and neuroscience.