Health

a vaccine vial in front of a backdrop of cells

Personalized cancer vaccines are having a moment

Personalized cancer vaccines were a recurring theme at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in 2024.

Kristin Houser

X-ray image of a human chest showing lungs and rib cage, with visible abnormal dark patches indicating possible tuberculosis.

Medicine

AI can help predict whether a patient will respond to specific tuberculosis treatments

Instead of a one-size-fits-all treatment approach, AI could help personalize treatments for each patient to provide the best outcomes.

Sriram Chandrasekaran

Medicine

When an antibiotic fails: MIT scientists are using AI to target “sleeper” bacteria

Most antibiotics target metabolically active bacteria, but AI can help efficiently screen compounds that are lethal to dormant microbes.

Alex Ouyang | Abdul Latif Jameel Clinic for Machine Learning in Health | MIT News

Biology

Scientists 3D print a heart pump that can beat on its own

Scientists 3D print a heart pump capable of beating on its own — and the organoid could have a big impact on heart research.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

Bats may provide clues for treating COVID-19

Bats have long lives despite playing host to numerous viruses. Three scientists believe bats' immune systems may help develop new ways of treating COVID-19.

B. David Zarley

Coronavirus

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine produces more antibodies than infection

Two shots of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine produces more antibodies than a coronavirus infection, according to Phase 1 preliminary data.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

Study: Risk of death from COVID-19 is 45% lower on arthritis drug

The arthritis drug tocilizumab may lower ventilated patients' risk of death from COVID-19 by 45%, according to a retrospective study.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

Survivors’ plasma might prevent coronavirus infections

Injections of COVID-19 survivors' blood plasma might prevent coronavirus infections, making them a promising stopgap until a vaccine is ready.

Kristin Houser

Medicine

Researchers heal human lungs by hooking them up to live pigs

In a remarkable experiment, researchers heal human lungs by connecting them to live pigs. And the pigs are unscathed.

Teresa Carey

Coronavirus

Engineers create reusable N95 mask out of rubber

With face masks still in demand, engineers unveil a new reusable N95 mask made of durable, easy-to-sterilize silicone rubber.

Kristin Houser

Addiction

FDA: Smokeless cigarettes produce less harmful chemicals

FDA clears Philip Morris to market its smokeless cigarettes as modified risk tobacco products, which could benefit smokers battling a nicotine addiction.

Kristin Houser

End-of-life AI

End-of-life and palliative care discussions with patients are crucial but difficult. Can AI help?

B. David Zarley

Coronavirus

Pandemic spurs search for alternatives to nursing homes

Senior living facilities have accounted for upwards of 40% of COVID-19 deaths in America. Is it time to look for alternatives to nursing homes?

B. David Zarley

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