Science news and discoveries from the Mass General Research Institute
Bench PressBench PressBench PressBench Press
  • Home
  • About
  • Research
    • COVID-19
    • Brain
    • Heart
    • Cancer
    • More…
  • Communicating Science
    • MGRI Image Awards
    • Science Slam Tips and Tricks
    • 2021 Cambridge Science Festival
  • Contenido en español
  • Subscribe
[ultimate_heading main_heading=”Why We Need to Talk About Science” main_heading_color=”#ffffff” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:50px;”][/ultimate_heading]

Did you know that according to a recent survey, at least 27% of Americans are still somewhat skeptical about science?

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are making amazing discoveries that have the potential to transform science and medicine, but we aren’t always great at telling the public about our work and why it matters.

Through workshops, competitions and community events, we’re committed to helping our researchers find engaging new ways to share their work with the public.

We hope you’ll join us in spreading the word about science and the valuable role it plays in improving healthcare here at Mass General and across the globe.

[ultimate_fancytext fancytext_prefix=”A wise person once said…” fancytext_suffix=”-Albert Einstein” strings_textspeed=”35″ strings_backspeed=”0″ strings_startdelay=”195″ strings_backdelay=”20000″ typewriter_loop=”off” sufpref_color=”#004150″ fancytext_strings=”“You don’t really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother.“” strings_font_family=”font_family:Lato|font_call:Lato|variant:300″ strings_font_style=”font-weight:300;” strings_font_size=”desktop:30px;” strings_line_height=”desktop:50px;” fancytext_color=”#00b092″ prefsuf_font_family=”font_family:Lato|font_call:Lato” prefix_suffix_font_size=”desktop:24px;” prefix_suffix_line_height=”desktop:30px;” typewriter_cursor_color=”#000000″ css_fancy_design=”.vc_custom_1581706604869{padding-left: 30px !important;}”]
[ultimate_heading main_heading=”Eight Great Tips for Communicating Science” main_heading_color=”#ffffff” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:34px;”][/ultimate_heading]
Rosen-talking-sm

Use Plain Language

Avoid Scientific jargon whenever possible

Plot Your Course

Where are you in the process? Where did you start? Where do you hope to arrive?

Save Time for Questions

Always leave time for your audience to engage with you

Enjoy Yourself

Smile, make eye contact, speak up and have fun!

Start with a Bang

Open with an interesting story or question to grab the audience’s attention

Set the Stage

What is the problem you are trying to solve, and how are you trying to solve it

Explain the Process

What makes your approach unique

Keep it Simple

Focus on a few key points and stick to them

DunnLab-BeckyMountain-sm
[ultimate_heading main_heading=”Follow Us on Social” main_heading_color=”#ffffff” sub_heading_color=”#ffffff” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:34px;” main_heading_margin=”margin-bottom:30px;”]

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates on our communicating science events!

[/ultimate_heading]

[ultimate_heading main_heading=”Twitter” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:25px;” main_heading_margin=”margin-bottom:30px;”][/ultimate_heading]

[custom-twitter-feeds]

[ultimate_heading main_heading=”Instagram” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:25px;” main_heading_margin=”margin-bottom:30px;”][/ultimate_heading]

Mass General Research Institute

massgeneral_ri

Medicine changes lives, research changes the world. @massgeneral
Just how much do you know about Mass General Brigh Just how much do you know about Mass General Brigham Nobel Laureates? Dr. Gary Ruvkun, an investigator in Molecular Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor of Genetics at @harvardmed, just joined the MGB Nobel Laureates list with his 2024 award in Physiology or Medicine. But how much do you know about the history of these scientific trailblazers? Who was our first winner? What discoveries did they make? And what inspired them to pursue science in the first place? Test your smarts with this quiz and see how much you [really] know at the link in our bio.
The big day we’ve all been patiently waiting for The big day we’ve all been patiently waiting for is finally here! Gary Ruvkun, PhD, an investigator in Molecular Biology at Mass General and professor of Genetics at @harvardmed, received the 2024 Nobel Prize(@nobelprize_org) in Physiology or Medicine during a ceremony in Sweden today! But how much do you know about Gary and his work? From worms to Latin American adventures, learn more about the Nobel Laureate at the link in our bio. [Photo credit: Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer]
Last night, the Mass General Research Institute wa Last night, the Mass General Research Institute was honored for being on the Fierce 50 list by Fierce Pharma! The list shines a spotlight on the people and companies who are driving meaningful change in healthcare, pharma and biotech, and we are greatly honored to be a part of the 2024 list. Susan Slaugenhaupt, PhD, our Scientific Director, accepted the award alongside other members of the research community at the event yesterday. Check out the link in our bio for more information.
Did you know that the Boston holiday tree comes fr Did you know that the Boston holiday tree comes from Canada every year? One of the founding principles of Massachusetts General Hospital (slightly paraphrased here) is that “when in distress, every person becomes our neighbor.” The hospital put this principle into action on December 6, 1917, after a massive explosion devastated the Canadian city of Halifax. When the governor of Massachusetts loaded a relief train with supplies and personnel to send to Halifax, Mass General nurses and social workers were included on the relief team and played an invaluable role in helping the city heal. But how did this lead to the annual gift of holiday trees? Check out the full story at the link in our bio.
Artsy Mistake submitted by Wafa Malik | This is an Artsy Mistake submitted by Wafa Malik | This is an image of dried buffer crystals under a microscope.​ Do you remember doing scratch art? These beautiful buffer crystals look exactly like them! These solidified forms of chemical reactions are used in cancer research to keep pH levels constant and mimic specific conditions.​ In the Hata Lab, Wafa Malik and colleagues are working on understanding drug sensitivity to develop a targeted immunotherapy treatment for lung cancer.​ They study how cells respond to treatment, hoping to find the best pathway for a lasting one. Read more about the Hata Lab and the Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research at the link in our bio.​ #research #cancer #lungcancer
Free snacks, drinks and science? Count me in📝 🍻 Join us in ONE WEEK for our next science slam, in partnership with the @ragon_institute! Come slam your science or be in the audience and learn something new. Sign up at the link in our bio.
A new study reveals the best timing for getting th A new study reveals the best timing for getting the RSV vaccine during pregnancy to protect newborns. Current guidelines recommend that pregnant people receive a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—which typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most adults but can be deadly for infants—during weeks 32–36 of pregnancy. New research led by investigators at Mass General Brigham suggests that vaccination earlier in that timeframe, closer to 32 weeks, could provide the best protection for newborns against RSV. “Receiving the RSV vaccine in pregnancy is an important way mothers can protect their newborns and infants from RSV, the leading cause of hospitalization in U.S. infants,” said senior author Andrea Edlow, MD MSc. The Edlow Lab at @massgeneral's Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology studies maternal, placental and fetal immunity and how maternal exposures such as viral infection, substance use and immunization shape fetal development. Read more about the study at the link in our bio.
From a curious chemistry student in Puerto Rico to From a curious chemistry student in Puerto Rico to a physician-scientist in Boston, Wilfredo Garcia Beltran, MD, PhD’s journey was anything but easy. Guided by passion and a commitment to change the world, he embraced challenges, overcame doubts, and seized opportunities. “Everyone kept telling me, ‘Forget about that. That's way too competitive. Too difficult. These are very competitive programs in the United States, and you’re just a kid from Puerto Rico. Hearing that actually made me even more committed to take on the challenge and prove myself,” stated Dr. Garcia-Beltran. Today, he leads his own lab at the Ragon Institute of Mass General Brigham, MIT, and Harvard, where he’s pioneering research on immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 and cancer. His team’s recent breakthrough, which found a way to harness NK cells to target virus-infected cells, represents hope for future therapies and highlights the power of innovative thinking in science. His journey is a reminder that every experience, no matter how challenging, is a step toward making an impact. 🧬💡 Read more of his story at the link in our bio.
Honoring MGH Nurses on Veterans Day🩺 This Vete Honoring MGH Nurses on Veterans Day🩺 This Veterans Day, we remember the brave MGH School of Nursing graduates who served in Vietnam. As young nurses, they stepped into the unknown, caring for soldiers on the front lines and facing unimaginable challenges with courage and compassion. Through the MGH Nurses' Alumni Association’s oral history project, we hear their powerful stories of resilience and adaptability—from grueling shifts and improvised care to the deep bonds formed in the midst of war. Their legacy reminds us of the vital role nurses play in times of conflict and the lasting impact of their dedication. Today, we honor their service and the enduring inspiration they provide. Learn more about these remarkable veterans at the link in our bio. #VeteransDay #MGHSchoolofNursing #VietnamWarNurses #NursingHistory #MGH
🌿 From a backyard garden in Louisiana to ground 🌿 From a backyard garden in Louisiana to groundbreaking research at @massgeneral, Jay Iyer’s journey has always been inspired by his grandfather, Mani—or "Thatha." Mani, who immigrated from Mumbai and became a respected leader at LSU, shared a love of science with Jay from a young age, sparking a lifelong dedication. Years later, when Mani was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), Jay became his caregiver, deeply impacted by the challenges they faced. Now a @harvard senior, Jay is determined to honor his grandfather's memory by advancing research for PSP and other neurological diseases, creating hope for future families. Through every milestone, Jay carries Thatha’s legacy with him. 🧬💙 #MassGeneral #Harvard #PSPResearch
It’s Halloween, but make it science-y! We sure It’s Halloween, but make it science-y! We sure do love some good candy (cue the Milk Duds and save us your thoughts on the Candy Corn debate—we get it, they’re an acquired taste)! 

For some, the scariest part of the Halloween season has nothing to do with costumes or haunted houses, it’s the food #allergies. Many of the most common food allergens—milk, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and eggs—are common in lots of candies, so parents often have to check the ingredients carefully before letting their kids dig into their Halloween haul. At Mass General Brigham, researchers are working to find answers to unresolved questions about why and how food allergies occur. We asked some of them to tell us about their current research efforts and what motivates them to find better treatments. 
So now that we’ve covered the science...let’s get spooky. What’s your favorite Halloween candy (allergies aside!)? 👻
Matt Rosen, PhD, of the @massgeneral_ri is turning Matt Rosen, PhD, of the @massgeneral_ri is turning the memory of his friend Christina into action. He’s on a mission to create a portable, affordable MRI tool for early breast cancer detection—aiming to overcome the limits of x-ray mammograms and make life-saving screenings accessible to all. #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth
Join Jemma, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Join Jemma, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Natarajan Lab at @massgeneralnews and @broadinstitute, as she takes us through a day in the life performing cardiovascular research! Under the mentorship of Dr. Pradeep Natarajan, Jemma uses deep-phenotyping, genomics, and novel biomarkers to uncover the causes of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease across clinically and demographically diverse populations. Outside the lab, you'll find her vibing to K-pop and strolling through the charming streets of Boston. #CardioResearch #WomenInScience #BostonLife
Human Breast Cancer Lymph Node Metastasis | Submit Human Breast Cancer Lymph Node Metastasis | Submitted by Pinji Lei, PhD In this photo we can see breast cancer cells as they metastasize into the lymph nodes. When this happens, the researchers are able to see the alterations that have to occur in the cells, including producing MHC class II molecules, which are responsible for alerting the immune system about what is happening. In blue we see the cell nucleus, green is the molecules, and red is the cancer cells. Studying the interaction and development of these molecules is one of the many ways researchers at the Mass General Research Institute are working towards treatments for breast cancer. Read more about the Steele Labs at the link in our bio. #breastcancer #cancer #pinkribbon #cancerresearch
Nothing beats a supportive Principal Investigator Nothing beats a supportive Principal Investigator (PI)—except maybe a manuscript accepted with minor revisions 😏 Big shoutout to Dr. Jodi Gilman from @massgeneralnews for being that kind of PI! Dr. Gilman’s research explores the biological, psychological, and clinical sides of addiction through behavioral and cognitive testing. What’s one statement your supportive PI always says? Drop it in the comments below!
Start using your brain! We know you have a smart o Start using your brain! We know you have a smart one. Have you submitted a research image to the MGRI Image Awards yet? Time is running out! ⌛ Submit an image before the 10/31 deadline at the link in our bio. (Photo: Stimulated-echo diffusion MRI of in vivo brain by Iman Aganj, PhD)
Imagine hitting 'pause' on life itself. In nature Imagine hitting 'pause' on life itself. In nature, some mammals can slow or even stop their biological processes while preserving their ability to survive—an ability that could revolutionize human health. At the Perfusion Lab, researchers are working to harness this phenomenon, known as suspended animation, for heart transplants, cardiac arrest treatment, and more. By using cutting-edge techniques like ex vivo perfusion—keeping hearts alive outside the body with a continuous blood flow—they are pushing the limits of organ preservation and recovery. Read more about the Perfusion Lab at the link in our bio. #HeartInnovation #SuspendedAnimation #ScienceForLife #cardiology #massgeneral #hearthealth #organtransplant
Join us for a quick tour of Dr. Lael Yonker’s la Join us for a quick tour of Dr. Lael Yonker’s lab at the Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center at @massgeneral, using a script created by the Gen Z members of her team. The @yonkerlab focuses on neutrophilic airway inflammation, studying conditions related to pediatric COVID-19, cystic fibrosis, and pediatric sepsis. To learn more about the awesome (people) and (science) at the Yonker Lab, hit the link in our bio!
Have you submitted any research images to the MGRI Have you submitted any research images to the MGRI Image Awards yet? Time is running out! ⌛ Submit an image before the 10/31 deadline at the link in our bio. (Photo credit: Lab Grown Fruits: Kidney Organoids by Murat Tekguc, MD, PhD)
Congratulations to our very own Gary Ruvkun, PhD, Congratulations to our very own Gary Ruvkun, PhD, for being named a recipient of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his role in the discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. He shares the award with his collaborator Victor Ambros, PhD, of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Instead of being translated into proteins, as messenger RNAs are, the hundred-times-smaller microRNAs block gene expression by binding to regulatory segments in their target messenger RNAs. Read more about their discovery and how it impacts medicine today at the link in our bio.
Load More... Follow on Instagram

[ultimate_heading main_heading=”Facebook” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:25px;” margin_design_tab_text=””][/ultimate_heading]

[custom-facebook-feed]

  • Home
  • About
  • Research
    • Brain
    • Cancer
    • Heart
    • More…
  • Communicating Science
    • MGRI Image Awards
    • Science Slam Tips and Tricks
    • 2021 Cambridge Science Festival
  • Subscribe
Bench Press