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We have chosen to postpone several of our upcoming events to keep our friends and neighbors safe, but be sure to check back in for updates. We hope to see you all and share some awesome science with you soon!

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Medicine changes lives, research changes the world. @massgeneralbrigham
In a race against time, a team of scientists came In a race against time, a team of scientists came together across institutions to help save baby KJ’s life. KJ was born in August of 2024, and received a diagnosis of CPS1 deficiency shortly after birth. But not long after that, researchers across the country were banding together to try to help him. When Mass General Brigham researcher Ben Kleinstiver, PhD, and his team shared their unpublished gene-editing enzymes with collaborators at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, it led to something extraordinary: a bespoke CRISPR-based therapy that’s now helping KJ thrive after being born with a rare, life-threatening genetic disease. “We hope it is just the beginning and that soon, this model can be used to create bespoke enzymes that can be utilized in customized treatments for patients with a range of other diseases,” said Kleinstiver. The Kleinstiver Lab develops genome engineering technologies for research applications and for the treatment of human diseases. Learn more about their research at the link in our bio. #GeneTherapy #CRISPR #RareDisease #ScienceCollaboration #MGBResearch #GeneticMedicine (PHOTO CREDIT: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
What happens to your #brain in space? Let’s brea What happens to your #brain in space? Let’s break it down. Welcome to Down to a Science — where we explore fascinating science questions and the research that’s helping solve medicine’s biggest mysteries. First up, we’re looking into research from the Center for Space Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, where scientists are studying how long-term #space travel can reshape the brain — physically and psychologically. From fluid shifts to cognitive changes, the brain goes through a lot when gravity disappears. And what we learn up there could help us down here, too. 💬 Got a science question you’ve always wondered about? Drop it in the comments — we might feature it in a future post!
In this mesmerizing look inside the mind titled Br In this mesmerizing look inside the mind titled Brain Waves, we can see a close-up representation of the sprawling white matter surface of the human brain, generated using MRI data and rendered as a wireframe mesh. This view provides perspective on how the relatively large surface area of the cerebral cortex can fit into our skulls. The image was submitted by Alexander Atalay from the Lab for NeuroImaging of Coma and Consciousness (NICC) at @massgeneral. The team studies how patients recover from traumatic brain injury and how to promote the recovery process. Read more about the lab at the link in our bio.
Ever wondered what a day in the life at a major sc Ever wondered what a day in the life at a major scientific conference looks like? Follow along as Jun Kim, a research fellow studying brain tumors at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, takes us behind the scenes at #AACR — from groundbreaking research sessions to networking with leading experts in cancer research!
You might see this image and think to yourself, "I You might see this image and think to yourself, "Is that alien graffiti under a UV light?" But fear not, this is not a case study of Martian creativity. Instead, what we are looking at here is transplanted heart tissue from a recent study where researchers discovered new insights into preventing organ transplant rejection. Current treatments to prevent organ transplant rejection focus mainly on suppressing T cells, part of the adaptive immune system. However, the innate immune system—the body’s first line of defense that triggers early inflammation after transplantation—has largely remained untargeted by modern therapies. In the new study, @massgeneralbrigham researchers identified a natural “brake” within the innate immune system: the inhibitory receptor Siglec-E (SigE) and its human counterparts, Siglec-7 and Siglec-9. This receptor helps prevent overactivation of immune cells that drive rejection. This image shows the Siglec-E (green) and MHC II (red) in the transplanted tissue seven days after the procedure. Read more about the study, and why this discovery could be even more important than deciphering Martian cave art, because this breakthrough could pave the way for more precise, less toxic transplant therapies right here on Earth.
Nature’s real-life superheroes are inspiring the Nature’s real-life superheroes are inspiring the future of medicine. At @massgeneralbrigham, researchers are looking to animals with extraordinary abilities such as the wood frog that survives freezing temps, or the tardigrade that shrugs off radiation, to solve some of healthcare’s biggest challenges. Think: better organ preservation, safer cancer treatments, faster tendon healing, and needle-free drug delivery… all inspired by frogs, fish, squids, and more. 🐾 Tap the link in bio to meet the animal superheroes changing human health.
In recognition of #AAPI Month and #MentalHealthAwa In recognition of #AAPI Month and #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth this May, we spoke with Albert Yeung, MD, ScD, about his background and research on Asian American mental health. Originating in ancient China, Tai Chi is a martial art and mind-body practice that combines slow, fluid movements, meditation, and deep breathing. Dr. Yeung is currently investigating whether Tai Chi can help the treatment of Asian Americans with depression and physical symptoms. Through his work, he aims to broaden the reach of mental health services and make them more accessible to Asians. Read more at the link in our bio.
Emerging research suggests that psychedelic treatm Emerging research suggests that psychedelic treatments may help regulate neuroimmune interactions and reduce stress-related fear responses. This photo shows excitatory neurons in the basolateral amygdala (red). By enhancing communication between cells in the brain’s fear center—the amygdala—psychedelics show promise in restoring balance between the brain and body. Michael Wheeler, PhD, principal investigator in the Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation and the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at @brighamandwomens and author of the publication, explains how these findings may offer benefits that go beyond cognition. Read more at the link in our bio. #fear #immune #innovation
This #Nurses Week, we’re celebrating the nurses This #Nurses Week, we’re celebrating the nurses whose dedication goes beyond the bedside. For nearly 50 years, over 280,000 nurses have contributed to the groundbreaking Nurses’ Health Study, shaping what we know about how lifestyle, medications, and mental health influence chronic disease. Their impact on public health is immeasurable, and the research is still going strong today. Read more at the link in our bio. #NursesWeek #NursesHealthStudy #WomensHealth #PublicHealthResearch
This #NursesWeek, we honor a pioneer in nursing: A This #NursesWeek, we honor a pioneer in nursing: Ada Plumer, RN. 💉🩺 In 1940, Ada became the first IV nurse at @massgeneral. What started with her answering 300 calls for IV therapy in her first year would grow into a specialized field that changed nursing forever. Ada developed the hospital’s first IV team, co-founded what is now the Infusion Nurses Society, and wrote the book on IV therapy, Principles and Practices of IV Therapy, still in use today. Humble and dedicated, she mentored generations of nurses and continued to teach even after retirement. Today, her legacy lives on in the 40+ nurses and 9 techs of our Vascular Access & PICC Program, who performed over 33,000 IV insertions in 2023 alone. Thank you, Ada, and thank you to all nurses who follow in her footsteps. Read more at the link in our bio. #MassGeneral #NursesWeek2025 #AdaPlumer #IVNursing #NursingHistory #MGHSON #InfusionTherapy #ThankANurse
Did you know there are 2,700+ clinical trials happ Did you know there are 2,700+ clinical trials happening right now across Mass General Brigham? From cancer to mental health to rare diseases, our researchers are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in medicine. #massgeneral #medicalinnovation #patientcare #hospital
May the fourth be with you 💫 Did you know tha May the fourth be with you 💫 Did you know that researchers from @massgeneralbrigham have created the world's smallest laser? At 170 nm wide, you could fit over 500 of these lasers within the width of a single strand of human hair. Sangyeon Cho, PhD, along with researchers from the Yun Lab at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine, have created the nanolasers to help in the fight against cancer. In the future, with their innovative methods, they hope to be able to use the lasers to track individual cancer cells' movements over a period of time. Read more about their research at the link in our bio.
The Goldstein Lab at @massgeneral and Mass General The Goldstein Lab at @massgeneral and Mass General Hospital for Children studies how the "second brain" in our gut, called the enteric nervous system, develops and functions. This network of nerves helps keep everything in our digestive system moving smoothly. By better understanding how it works, the team hopes to discover new treatments for children and adults with gut disorders linked to nerve problems. #GutHealth #Neuroscience #PediatricResearch #MassGeneral #DigestiveHealth
Could a probiotic help lower HIV risk? New researc Could a probiotic help lower HIV risk? New research suggests it might. A new study led by researchers from @mghobgyn and colleagues in South Africa tested a vaginal probiotic called LACTIN-V, which contains Lactobacillus crispatus, a “good” bacteria that helps protect against infections. The probiotic was tested in young South African women who were at high risk for HIV. After four weeks, women who used LACTIN-V were much more likely to have a healthier balance of vaginal bacteria compared to those who received a placebo. They also had fewer immune cells in the genital tract that are known to be targets for HIV infection. The probiotic was safe, easy to use, and well-liked by most participants. These findings show that it may be possible to lower HIV risk by improving vaginal health with beneficial bacteria, especially important for young women in areas with high rates of HIV. (Pictured: Caroline Mitchell, MD MPH, from @massgeneral, author on the study)
This week, many of our lead clinicians and researc This week, many of our lead clinicians and researchers attended the annual American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) conference, where the brightest minds in cancer care came together to share their insights and innovations with the world. Hear from Dave Ryan, MD, President of MGB Cancer Institute about how researchers from Mass General Brigham are helping leading charge. By staying at the forefront of cancer discovery, we're advancing science today to deliver tomorrow's excellence in cancer care. #AACR25 #Cancercare #innovationincancer
Happy American Association for Cancer Research ann Happy American Association for Cancer Research annual conference week! Hear from Andy Chan, MD, MPH, about the research he presented at #AACR25. Dr. Chan is the Chair of the Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit and the Director of Cancer Epidemiology at @mghcancercenter.
🧬 Happy DNA Day! Ever wonder what makes you, 🧬 Happy DNA Day! Ever wonder what makes you, you? In this video, Heidi Rehm, PhD, explains the crucial role DNA plays in our daily functions. Through her research, Dr. Rehm is identifying genes associated with rare diseases. Her work aims to provide families with answers, guide them towards appropriate treatments, and help them better plan for the future.
The medical and historical communities have teamed The medical and historical communities have teamed up to reveal the secrets behind the items we see on display in museums around the world! Using advanced dual-energy computed tomography (CT) devices, which are commonly used to scan patients, researchers scanned eight ceramic artifacts from Central and South America. The scans revealed the intricate structures inside vessels thought to be used in rituals or buried with elites in ancient Peru. The CT scans showed how sounds are produced when liquid moves through the chambers inside these artifacts."
🏃‍♀️🏅A huge congratulations to all the 🏃‍♀️🏅A huge congratulations to all the incredible researchers who laced up and ran the Boston Marathon! Your dedication—both in the lab and on the course—inspires us all. 💙💛 Whether you're pushing the frontiers of science or pushing through Heartbreak Hill, we're so proud to cheer you on. #BostonMarathon #ResearchOnTheRun #MGBResearch #BostonStrong
Every Boston #marathon runner is motivated by some Every Boston #marathon runner is motivated by something, and Eline Laurent, who is running for the @brighamandwomens Stepping Strong Marathon Team, is no different. "My first race was in kindergarten, where I showed up in sandals and a summer dress. Since then, I have never stopped running. Since middle school, my dream has been to one day run the Boston Marathon," said Laurent. As a Clinical Research Coordinator with the Early Brain Development Initiative, her work is aimed at developing and implementing prenatal and early life interventions to prevent neuropsychiatric illnesses, particularly in children at increased risk for these disorders. "Personally, I believe my work in research has made me a better runner, and marathon training has enhanced my focus and resilience in the lab," said Laurent. As the Boston Marathon approaches, we’re spotlighting the inspiring individuals from the @massgeneralbrigham research community who will be running the race. Read more of Eline's story at the link in our bio.
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