MIT Department of Chemistry
@mitchemistry.bsky.social
MIT Chemistry shares in the tradition of MIT excellence by pioneering discoveries and advances in chemical research, from polymer synthesis to medical imaging.
Researchers in the Shoulders Lab have uncovered a sinister hidden mechanism that can allow cancer cells to survive even when hit with powerful drugs. The secret lies in a cellular “safety net” that gives cancer the freedom to develop aggressive mutations.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
January 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Researchers in the Shoulders Lab have uncovered a sinister hidden mechanism that can allow cancer cells to survive even when hit with powerful drugs. The secret lies in a cellular “safety net” that gives cancer the freedom to develop aggressive mutations.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Reposted by MIT Department of Chemistry
Fun collaboration with @thexavierlab.bsky.social and Ribbeck groups to figure out how this human lectin plays multiple roles in controlling the #microbiome: stabilizing the mucus barrier and reducing bacteria that breach it. news.mit.edu/2026/protein... #glycotime
January 15, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Fun collaboration with @thexavierlab.bsky.social and Ribbeck groups to figure out how this human lectin plays multiple roles in controlling the #microbiome: stabilizing the mucus barrier and reducing bacteria that breach it. news.mit.edu/2026/protein... #glycotime
Researchers in the Hong Lab showed they can use nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to decipher the structure of the fuzzy coat that surrounds Tau proteins. The findings may aid efforts to develop drugs that interfere with Tau buildup in the brain.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
January 15, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Researchers in the Hong Lab showed they can use nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to decipher the structure of the fuzzy coat that surrounds Tau proteins. The findings may aid efforts to develop drugs that interfere with Tau buildup in the brain.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Researchers in the @kiesslinglab.bsky.social have discovered that a protein found in the GI tract can neutralize many bacteria and strengthen the mucus barrier lining the digestive tract.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
January 14, 2026 at 1:23 PM
Researchers in the @kiesslinglab.bsky.social have discovered that a protein found in the GI tract can neutralize many bacteria and strengthen the mucus barrier lining the digestive tract.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Congratulations to Professor Bin Zhang, who ihas been honored as “Committed to Caring”. The C2C program is a student-driven initiative that recognizes outstanding professors who extend this dedication beyond the classroom.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
January 12, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Congratulations to Professor Bin Zhang, who ihas been honored as “Committed to Caring”. The C2C program is a student-driven initiative that recognizes outstanding professors who extend this dedication beyond the classroom.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
A new study from the @shaleklab.bsky.social reveals how a high-fat diet rewires liver cells and makes them more susceptible to becoming cancerous.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
January 5, 2026 at 7:05 PM
A new study from the @shaleklab.bsky.social reveals how a high-fat diet rewires liver cells and makes them more susceptible to becoming cancerous.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Congratulations to the exemplary winners of the Fall 2025 Department of Chemistry Mentorship Spotlight Award: Anton Barybin, Juan Cintrón-Cruz, Dr. Carolina Ortiz Cordero, Dane Johnson, Dr. Kira Podolsky, and Rebecca Reid.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
December 22, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Congratulations to the exemplary winners of the Fall 2025 Department of Chemistry Mentorship Spotlight Award: Anton Barybin, Juan Cintrón-Cruz, Dr. Carolina Ortiz Cordero, Dane Johnson, Dr. Kira Podolsky, and Rebecca Reid.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
The MIT Quantum Initiative (QMIT) invites applications for the QMIT Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, supporting exceptional early-career scientists pursuing bold, interdisciplinary research in quantum science.
Apply now through January 15, 2026!
quantum.mit.edu/qmit-postdoc...
Apply now through January 15, 2026!
quantum.mit.edu/qmit-postdoc...
December 16, 2025 at 4:17 PM
The MIT Quantum Initiative (QMIT) invites applications for the QMIT Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, supporting exceptional early-career scientists pursuing bold, interdisciplinary research in quantum science.
Apply now through January 15, 2026!
quantum.mit.edu/qmit-postdoc...
Apply now through January 15, 2026!
quantum.mit.edu/qmit-postdoc...
Congratulations to Gabi Wenzel, who has won the 2026 LAD Early Career Award from @aas.org. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field within 10 years of earning their PhD.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
December 10, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Congratulations to Gabi Wenzel, who has won the 2026 LAD Early Career Award from @aas.org. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field within 10 years of earning their PhD.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
As the subject of this Graduate Student Spotlight, Seth Furniss reveals the inconsequential superpower he’d love to have, the food he craves most often, the house he’d build with unlimited funds, and more.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
December 3, 2025 at 4:17 PM
As the subject of this Graduate Student Spotlight, Seth Furniss reveals the inconsequential superpower he’d love to have, the food he craves most often, the house he’d build with unlimited funds, and more.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
For the first time, researchers in the Movassaghi Lab have synthesized a fungal compound known as verticillin A, which was discovered more than 50 years ago and has shown potential as an anticancer agent.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
December 3, 2025 at 4:07 PM
For the first time, researchers in the Movassaghi Lab have synthesized a fungal compound known as verticillin A, which was discovered more than 50 years ago and has shown potential as an anticancer agent.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Led by Frederick George Keyes Professor of Chemistry Danna Freedman, the MIT Quantum Initiative is taking shape, leveraging quantum breakthroughs to drive the future of scientific and technological progress.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
November 10, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Led by Frederick George Keyes Professor of Chemistry Danna Freedman, the MIT Quantum Initiative is taking shape, leveraging quantum breakthroughs to drive the future of scientific and technological progress.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Researchers in the McGuire Group recently studied a region of space called the Taurus Molecular Cloud-1 and discovered more than 100 different molecules floating in the gas there — more than in any other known interstellar cloud.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
October 28, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Researchers in the McGuire Group recently studied a region of space called the Taurus Molecular Cloud-1 and discovered more than 100 different molecules floating in the gas there — more than in any other known interstellar cloud.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
As the subject of this Graduate Student Spotlight, Xiao Huang reveals the app that many people are obsessed with but that he doesn’t understand, the most amazing sunset he’s seen, the museum he’d open with an extra $5M, and more!
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
October 16, 2025 at 2:09 PM
As the subject of this Graduate Student Spotlight, Xiao Huang reveals the app that many people are obsessed with but that he doesn’t understand, the most amazing sunset he’s seen, the museum he’d open with an extra $5M, and more!
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Matthew D. Shoulders, the Class of 1942 Professor of Chemistry, a MacVicar Faculty Fellow, and an associate member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, has been named head of the MIT Department of Chemistry, effective Jan. 16, 2026.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
October 6, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Matthew D. Shoulders, the Class of 1942 Professor of Chemistry, a MacVicar Faculty Fellow, and an associate member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, has been named head of the MIT Department of Chemistry, effective Jan. 16, 2026.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Researchers in the Gilliard Lab have designed a new type of fluorescent molecule that they hope could be used for applications such as generating clearer images of tumors.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
October 6, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Researchers in the Gilliard Lab have designed a new type of fluorescent molecule that they hope could be used for applications such as generating clearer images of tumors.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Researchers in the Shao-Horn lab have developed a model that explains lithium intercalation rates in lithium-ion batteries.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
October 3, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Researchers in the Shao-Horn lab have developed a model that explains lithium intercalation rates in lithium-ion batteries.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Congratulations to Deiaa Harraz, a PhD candidate in the Surendranath Group (@interphases.org), who has been chosen as the 2025 recipient of the Davison Prize, which is given in honor of the best PhD thesis in Inorganic Chemistry.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
October 1, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Congratulations to Deiaa Harraz, a PhD candidate in the Surendranath Group (@interphases.org), who has been chosen as the 2025 recipient of the Davison Prize, which is given in honor of the best PhD thesis in Inorganic Chemistry.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Congratulations to Dr. Santosh Singh, Naike Ye, Kaelyn McFarlane-Connelly, Robert Raclea, and
Kunal Lodaya, who were each recently honored with the inaugural Department of Chemistry Research Excellence Award.
@interphases.org @drennanlab.bsky.social
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Kunal Lodaya, who were each recently honored with the inaugural Department of Chemistry Research Excellence Award.
@interphases.org @drennanlab.bsky.social
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
September 9, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Congratulations to Dr. Santosh Singh, Naike Ye, Kaelyn McFarlane-Connelly, Robert Raclea, and
Kunal Lodaya, who were each recently honored with the inaugural Department of Chemistry Research Excellence Award.
@interphases.org @drennanlab.bsky.social
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Kunal Lodaya, who were each recently honored with the inaugural Department of Chemistry Research Excellence Award.
@interphases.org @drennanlab.bsky.social
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
The Drennan Lab is investigating how nature performs challenging chemistry in oxygen-free environments, with potential applications for remediation, such as cleaning up oil spills, in situations where traditional approaches are ineffective. @drennanlab.bsky.social
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
September 9, 2025 at 5:12 PM
The Drennan Lab is investigating how nature performs challenging chemistry in oxygen-free environments, with potential applications for remediation, such as cleaning up oil spills, in situations where traditional approaches are ineffective. @drennanlab.bsky.social
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Congratulations to Jonas Rein, a Postdoctoral Researcher in the labs of Chemistry Professor Masha Elkin and Chemical Engineering Professor Connor Coley, who has been named the recipient of the Nobel Laureate Signature Award from the American Chemical Society.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
September 9, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Congratulations to Jonas Rein, a Postdoctoral Researcher in the labs of Chemistry Professor Masha Elkin and Chemical Engineering Professor Connor Coley, who has been named the recipient of the Nobel Laureate Signature Award from the American Chemical Society.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
As the subject of this Graduate Student Spotlight, Maya Chattoraj shares her top three favorite movies, the menu of her ideal feast, the inconsequential super power she’d love to have, and more.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
September 9, 2025 at 3:06 PM
As the subject of this Graduate Student Spotlight, Maya Chattoraj shares her top three favorite movies, the menu of her ideal feast, the inconsequential super power she’d love to have, and more.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Researchers in the Johnson Lab have shown that chemotherapy drugs carried by a bottlebrush polymer can be attached to an antibody, which guides the molecule to a tumor. This approach could avoid many of the side effects of systemic chemotherapy delivery.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
September 9, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Researchers in the Johnson Lab have shown that chemotherapy drugs carried by a bottlebrush polymer can be attached to an antibody, which guides the molecule to a tumor. This approach could avoid many of the side effects of systemic chemotherapy delivery.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Congratulations to Professor Alex Radosevich and Professor @alisonwendlandt.bsky.social, who were named recipients of 2026 Arthur C. Cope Scholar Awards by the American Chemical Society. These awards recognize and encourage excellence in organic chemistry.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
August 20, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Congratulations to Professor Alex Radosevich and Professor @alisonwendlandt.bsky.social, who were named recipients of 2026 Arthur C. Cope Scholar Awards by the American Chemical Society. These awards recognize and encourage excellence in organic chemistry.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
Congratulations to Professor Laura Kiessling (@laurakiessling.bsky.social), who has been named the recipient of the 2025 Karl Meyer Lectureship Award by the Society for Glycobiolgy!
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
August 15, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Congratulations to Professor Laura Kiessling (@laurakiessling.bsky.social), who has been named the recipient of the 2025 Karl Meyer Lectureship Award by the Society for Glycobiolgy!
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...