Wyss InstituteBioinformatics – Wyss Institute https://wyss.harvard.edu Wyss Institute at Harvard Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:05:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 Toward autonomous self-organizing biological robots with a nervous system https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/toward-autonomous-self-organizing-biological-robots-with-a-nervous-system/ Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:30:42 +0000 https://wyss.harvard.edu/?p=44996 In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers demonstrate that functional nervous systems can form within self-organized living cellular robots, conferring complex movement patterns and distinct gene expression profiles By Benjamin Boettner (BOSTON) — Biobots, whose growing line of variants started with Xenobots, are fascinating tiny self-powered living robots built exclusively using frog embryonic cells. Originally developed in the laboratories of Wyss Institute Associate Faculty member and Tufts University Professor Michael Levin, Ph.D. and his collaborators at University of Vermont…

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]]> https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/toward-autonomous-self-organizing-biological-robots-with-a-nervous-system/ The team made an important step towards creating self-organizing biological robots with a functional nervous system. As can be seen in this image, neurobots are made of an outer surface consisting of multicilliated cells, mucus-secreting goblet cells, ionocytes, and small secretory cells, and a nervous system that reaches out to surface cells underneath. Credit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University https://wyss-prod.imgix.net/app/uploads/2026/03/09141311/Neurobot-cover-image-e1773080011693.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=crop&h=400&q=50&w=300&s=1fb2c1abf80eec239961949d4dffbf6e"/> Nucleic Acid Delivery Consortium https://wyss.harvard.edu/collaboration/nucleic-acid-delivery-consortium/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:13:09 +0000 https://wyss.harvard.edu/?post_type=collaboration&p=45025 An academic-industry consortium focused on the challenge of delivering nucleic acid-based therapies to specific target organs, tissues, and cells Nucleic acid therapies are emerging as a revolutionary class of medicines. Using engineered DNA or RNA molecules, they treat diseases at their genetic source, thus offering potential cures for a large variety of disorders, ranging from genetic disorders to cancers and infectious diseases. Different technologies, including mRNA, short interfering RNAs (siRNA), antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)…

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]]> https://wyss.harvard.edu/collaboration/nucleic-acid-delivery-consortium/ https://wyss-prod.imgix.net/app/uploads/2026/03/12130048/Nucleic-Acid-feature.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=crop&h=400&q=50&w=300&s=3db1b68f77be2840f58ae31a6cf07272"/> Russell Gould on using data to solve problems https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/humans-of-the-wyss-russell-gould-on-using-data-to-solve-problems/ Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:45:43 +0000 https://wyss.harvard.edu/?p=44626 The Humans of the Wyss (HOW) series features members of the Wyss community discussing their work, the influences that shape them as professionals, and their collaborations at the Wyss Institute and beyond. Russell Gould wants to know why. Seeking a flexible, open career path after serving in the military, he gravitated toward science, where he was encouraged to ask questions about the unknown.

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]]> https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/humans-of-the-wyss-russell-gould-on-using-data-to-solve-problems/ Russell Gould, Scientist II. Credit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University https://wyss-prod.imgix.net/app/uploads/2026/01/26161118/HoW-Russell-Gould-06892-scaled.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=crop&h=400&q=50&w=300&s=e8de44a38431f2d443606563e7821802"/> A CRISPR fingerprint of pathogenic C. auris fungi https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/a-crispr-fingerprint-of-pathogenic-c-auris-fungi/ Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:45:36 +0000 https://wyss.harvard.edu/?p=44495 Precision diagnostic platform integrating CRISPR and single-molecule technology with AI enables rapid and accurate detection of drug-resistant C. auris pathogens By Benjamin Boettner (BOSTON) — Infection with the pathogenic yeast fungus Candida auris (C. auris) can wreak havoc on the health of hospital patients and residents of nursing homes, especially those who are already weakened by other illnesses. The pathogen easily spreads and colonizes surfaces and objects where it can survive for weeks to months, and is often resistant to standard…

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]]> https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/a-crispr-fingerprint-of-pathogenic-c-auris-fungi/ Candida auris is a pathogenic yeast that cannot be rapidly diagnosed using common methods. Neither can antifungal resistances, which together presents a pressing unmet medical need. Creidt: peterschreiber.media https://wyss-prod.imgix.net/app/uploads/2025/12/19132316/iStock-2152049869-scaled.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=crop&h=400&q=50&w=300&s=1a83c0b2d2fc7ae17d41676ada01320e"/> How federal funds fuel life-saving innovation https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/how-federal-funds-fuel-life-saving-innovation/ Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:49:40 +0000 https://wyss.harvard.edu/?p=44198 Foundational breakthroughs enabled by government research grants lead to technologies changing patients’ lives for the better

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]]> https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/how-federal-funds-fuel-life-saving-innovation/ Researchers put a lot of effort into preparing extensive grant applications, which then go through a lengthy review process. A small percentage receive funding. Credit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University https://wyss-prod.imgix.net/app/uploads/2025/11/12163644/Kiley-Baker-and-Keysa-Garcia-Candid-Color-Corrected_04289-scaled.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=crop&h=400&q=50&w=300&s=93f76f74996be3212132d618d4328d19"/> GeneSkin: A Novel mRNA Therapy for Skin and Hair Rejuvenation https://wyss.harvard.edu/technology/geneskin-a-novel-mrna-therapy-for-skin-and-hair-rejuvenation/ Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:44:27 +0000 https://wyss.harvard.edu/?post_type=technology&p=42913 More than 1.9 billion people worldwide suffer from some form of skin disease or cosmetic issue, including acne, eczema, scars, wrinkles, and hair loss. However, dermatological research has only brought limited therapeutic progress for skin rejuvenation, scar treatment, and hair loss in recent decades. While many of these conditions share a common root in the declining function of the skin’s stem…

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]]> https://wyss.harvard.edu/technology/geneskin-a-novel-mrna-therapy-for-skin-and-hair-rejuvenation/ Credit: Envato/BLACKDAY https://wyss-prod.imgix.net/app/uploads/2025/06/03133310/woman-with-a-scar-on-her-shoulder-2024-10-17-15-24-50-utc-scaled.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=crop&h=400&q=50&w=300&s=9d046733faaa4609c5bc35b8aaa3c287"/> The Wyss Institute’s 2025-2026 Validation Projects https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/the-wyss-institutes-2025-2026-validation-projects/ Thu, 14 Aug 2025 15:00:53 +0000 https://wyss.harvard.edu/?p=43463 14 teams supported this year to advance projects with future potential for real-world impact through the Wyss’ technology innovation funnel Throughout recent years, the Wyss’ Validation Project mechanism has proven to be a highly valuable instrument for selecting and kick-starting projects with early potential for positive impact on healthcare and the environment. Reaching deep into areas with major unmet needs across the diverse Grand Challenges laid out by the Institute, the newly selected projects are driven by multi-talented teams…

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]]> https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/the-wyss-institutes-2025-2026-validation-projects/ Senior Scientist Kwasi Adu-Berchie (center) is leading the TIB project team with Core Faculty member David Mooney (left). The team is developing tolerance-inducing biomaterials to offer patients safer, longer-lasting treatments for conditions ranging from autoimmune disease to tissue and bone injury. Credit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University https://wyss-prod.imgix.net/app/uploads/2025/08/13101608/Dave-Mooney-Lab-Candid-Lab-Coat-07873-scaled.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=crop&h=400&q=50&w=300&s=b0631ddd4c73659862b34b403e537e4f"/> Blood Clot Dx https://wyss.harvard.edu/technology/blood-clot-dx/ Wed, 09 Jul 2025 17:00:40 +0000 https://wyss.prod.a17.io/technology/microfluidic-hemostasis-monitor/ Blood clots can arise anywhere in the body, blocking blood flow and causing pain and other symptoms. The most serious types of clots, called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), typically form in the veins in the legs, and can break off and become lodged in a lung. This can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), which is when blood flow to the lungs is prevented and can be fatal. The symptoms of PE resemble…

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]]> https://wyss.harvard.edu/technology/blood-clot-dx/ Abidemi Junaid holding the microfluidic chip used to monitor blood clotting. https://wyss-prod.imgix.net/app/uploads/2016/08/09145422/Abidemi-with-Hemostasis-Chip-Posed-08089-scaled.jpeg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=crop&h=400&q=50&w=300&s=799ada1f03931c9e36620cd1d4f32f2f"/> Forging a novel therapeutic path for patients with Rett Syndrome using AI https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/forging-a-novel-therapeutic-path-for-patients-with-rett-syndrome-with-ai/ Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:55:03 +0000 https://wyss.harvard.edu/?p=43198 AI-enabled drug discovery approach identified potentially game-changing treatment, which has been advanced from the lab bench to an FDA Orphan Drug Designation in record time By Benjamin Boettner (BOSTON) — Rett syndrome is a devastating, rare genetic childhood disorder primarily affecting girls. Merely 1 out of 10,000 girls are born with it, and much fewer boys. It is caused by mutations in the MeCP2 gene on the X chromosome, leading to a spectrum of cognitive and physical impairments, including repetitive hand motions, speech difficulties, and seizures. However…

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]]> https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/forging-a-novel-therapeutic-path-for-patients-with-rett-syndrome-with-ai/ Tiffany Lin, Magnificent Microscopy, RUNNER UP: Multi-photon image of entire <em>Xenopus</em> brain (Dorsal) https://wyss-prod.imgix.net/app/uploads/2022/08/17171224/Photo10.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=crop&h=400&q=50&w=300&s=158196cf8e816cae4e6fed32e5afb2f5"/> Atlantic Health Research Spotlight: Novel Anesthetics for Care in Battlefield and Disaster Area https://wyss.harvard.edu/media-post/atlantic-health-research-spotlight-novel-anesthetics-for-care-in-battlefield-and-disaster-area/ Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:51:20 +0000 https://wyss.harvard.edu/?post_type=media_post&p=42456 The Atlantic’s Health Summit returned to Boston in 2025 for their annual exploration of the urgent issues reshaping the healthcare landscape. The event showcased recent breakthroughs that are redefining medical practices and explored the challenges of scaling innovation and implementing sustainable solutions. Speakers explored early disease detection, novel anesthetics, pain management…

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]]> https://wyss.harvard.edu/media-post/atlantic-health-research-spotlight-novel-anesthetics-for-care-in-battlefield-and-disaster-area/ Credit: Mark Wilson Images https://wyss-prod.imgix.net/app/uploads/2025/04/15164753/MWI-191.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=crop&h=400&q=50&w=300&s=436ad3332e989135db585397760f3e70"/>