Science

Side by side of mouse embryos. The one on the left appears to be developing normally, but the one on the right has an extra pair of legs.
Genetics
How turning off one gene causes mice to grow 6 legs
A study of embryo development in mice led to the creation of a mutant mouse fetus with an extra pair of legs in place of genitals.
Kristin Houser
a rendering of three massive silver containers with "Ark" written on them
Food
This startup is trying to solve lab-grown meat’s biggest problem
A biotech startup has developed a new kind of bioreactor that could help increase cultivated meat production.
Kristin Houser
A man in a suit stands next to a robotic arm with computer-brain interfaces on a stage under blue lighting.
Big Tech
In a future with brain-computer interfaces like Elon Musk’s Neuralink, we may need to rethink freedom of thought
In a future with more “mind reading,” thanks to computer-brain interfaces, we may need to rethink freedom of thought.
Parker Crutchfield
Start of a swimming race with competitors diving into the water from starting blocks in an indoor pool next to an artificial reef.
Oceans
Artificial reef designed by MIT engineers could protect marine life, reduce storm damage
Jennifer Chu | MIT News Office
Two people standing close together, united by a surge of oxytocin, one wearing a white top and the other in a red top, against a clear blue sky.
Neuroscience
Oxytocin’s effects aren’t just about love
Bob Holmes | Knowable Magazine
Two men standing next to a banana tree.
Agriculture
World’s first GM banana approved in Australia
Kristin Houser
A tailless primate swinging on a rope.
Genetics
How our “junk DNA” led to humans being tailless
Kristin Houser
A person cutting yellow flowers in a garden affected by water pollution.
Sustainability
Flowers grown floating on polluted waterways can help clean up nutrient runoff and turn a profit
Krishnaswamy Jayachandran and Jazmin Locke-Rodriguez
A woman holds a heart-shaped potato, mutated by nuclear radiation, in her hands.
Agriculture
How potatoes can keep an eye on nuclear radiation
Neal Stewart and Robert Sears
A close up of a screwworm
CRISPR
CRISPR could eradicate horrific parasite that’s killing cattle
Kristin Houser
stylized grains of rice colored blue and red
Food
Korean scientists grow beef inside of rice
Kristin Houser
A glowing green plant is illuminated against a black background, creating a mesmerizing scene.
Genetics
Bioluminescent plants don’t exist in nature — but you can buy one for $29
Kristin Houser
a collage of a 3D bioprinter and brain tissue
Brain
Scientists create the first “functional” 3D-printed mini brains
Kristin Houser