Cell Biology

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Seeing the Whole Blueprint: Uncovering the Purpose of “Genomic Junk"

March 29, 2021

In this webinar, Yukiko Yamashita will highlight ways in which fundamental research brings novel biological processes to light. And she will introduce her lab’s latest discoveries on the function of satellite DNA, which has long been regarded as “genomic junk.”

Conducting the Cell

Cell dynamics

March 23, 2021

If we imagine the cell as an orchestra, with many musicians who each have a small part to play, then what conducts all of these musicians and keeps them organized and harmonized as they play a symphony?

Drosophila testes with stain — two curly colorful shapes with patches of different colors.

Intrigued by immortality

Evolution + Development

March 16, 2021

Whitehead Institute scientists investigate germ cells — the cells that never cease to exist

Opening slide featuring photos of both Ruth Lehmann and Susan Hockfield

Director's Dialogues: Age of Living Machines: A conversation with Susan Hockfield

Cell Biology

March 12, 2021

On February 25, 2021, Whitehead Institute Director Ruth Lehmann discussed the implications of the convergence of biology and engineering with MIT President Emerita Susan Hockfield, in the first installment of our new series, Director's Dialogues. Hockfield, who was the first life scientist to lead MIT, is the author of the 2019 book, “The Age of Living Machines: How Biology Will Build the Next Technology Revolution.

A woman in a blazer stands in front of windows.

Ruth Lehmann talks to STAT about the the importance of basic science and research during the pandemic

Awards + Announcements

March 05, 2021

Whitehead Institute director Ruth Lehmann spoke to STAT reporter Elizabeth Cooney about the importance of fundamental science, the foundational research that supported the creation of COVID-19 vaccines, and the culture of innovation and collaboration she cultivates at the Institute.

Webinar: COVID-19 Research at Whitehead Institute

Biochemistry

March 02, 2021

In this presentation and discussion moderated by Whitehead Institute Member Pulin Li, hear what Whitehead Fellows Silvia Rouskin and Kipp Weiskopf are learning about SARS-CoV-2 — and how their research may aid in the fight against dangerous coronaviruses, now and well into the future.

BioGenesis Podcast: Cesar Dominguez of the Schwartz Lab on how cells withstand and transmit mechanical force

Cell Biology

February 25, 2021

Cesar Dominguez's family emigrated from Mexico to the U.S. at a young age. Growing up in a relatively homogenous community led him to seek out more diverse perspectives as he honed his research skills in structural biology. He now studies how cells can withstand and transmit mechanical force.

Robert Weinberg wears a blue shirt and stands in a red doorway.

Robert Weinberg receives 2021 Japan Prize

Awards + Announcements

February 04, 2021

The award recognizes Weinberg’s pioneering achievements in the field of cancer biology.

Disarming cancer

Cancer

December 21, 2020

Researchers in the lab of Whitehead Institute Founding Member Robert Weinberg have determined how mesenchymal cancer cells may resist treatment, work that may allow them to make once-resistant tumors respond to certain cancer therapies.

Meet a Whitehead Postdoc: Jarrett Smith

Postdoc Profile

December 17, 2020

Jarrett Smith is a postdoc in Whitehead Institute Member David Bartel’s lab investigating how cells respond to stress. We sat down with Smith to learn more about him and his experiences in and out of the lab.

Cell Biology

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