The Wyss Institute at Harvard University
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The Wyss Institute at Harvard University
@wyssinstitute.bsky.social
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The Wyss Institute seeks to transform engineering, medicine and the environment by creating new materials and devices using Nature’s design principles.
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What is it really like to do research? We're demystifying life as a scientist by dispelling common myths and misconceptions, starting with the frequency of "eureka" moments.
Text says, “COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS,” “Don’t researchers have “eureka” moments every day?” “No…” Bold, blue text says, “Sometimes science is repetitive,” and then white text says, “because the same experiments need to be performed several times following the same protocol to ensure the results are reliable.” Text says, “Plus, there are,” then in bold, blue text it says, “some days where most of their time is spent out of the lab,” and then in plain white text it finishes, “doing other tasks like writing papers and meeting with collaborators.” There is an image of a scientist holding up a device, wearing a lab coat and gloves. Text says, “Reaching a eureka moment takes a lot of time, resilience, and dedication, but,” and bold, blue text says, “it’s all worth it.”
November 4, 2025 at 5:47 PM
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Happy Halloween from the Wyss Institute 🎃
A man dressed as a Tusken Raider from Star Wars A man and a woman smiling, wearing all black and crowns on their heads. One is holding a Trader Joe’s bag and wearing a neon vest. She also has a necklace and multiple bracelets on. A man dressed as a microscope that says Wyss on it Three people smiling together. The first is wearing a shirt that shows a skeleton with an alien baby on the stomach, the second is wearing a hat and carrying a stick with a bandana “bag,” the third is wearing a large stuffed animal cell as a costume
October 31, 2025 at 4:36 PM
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Congratulations to Wyss Technology Development Fellow Ana Raquel P. Santa Maria on being awarded the "Making a Difference in Meaningful Ways Award" from WEST. This award honors women who go beyond titles and tasks to create lasting impact in their communities and workplaces.
Three women standing together, the one in the center is holding an award. Behind them, on a screen, text says, "Making a Difference in Meaningful Ways Award, Honoring women who go beyond titles and tasks to create lasting impact in their communities and workplaces, Ana Raquel Santa Maria" and then there is a bio of Ana
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
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The world’s challenges aren’t stopping. We can’t either. We’re developing solutions to the toughest problems facing people and our planet. And we’re not slowing down. Learn how you can support our mission: bit.ly/Wyss-Giving
Text says, "Infant apnea is not slowing down. We can't either." A box says, "Presenting," and inside the box, text says, "Vibrating mattress. It delivers barely perceptible random vibrations to normalize neonates’ breathing." There is an image of a baby in a hospital bassinet. Underneath is the Wyss logo and a rectangle with the top left and bottom right corner rounded. Inside the shape it says, "SUPPORT OUR SCIENCE"
October 28, 2025 at 3:11 PM
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Transforming breakthrough science, like the use of CRISPR-Cas9 for precise targeted gene editing in mammalian cells, into a cascade of innovations, like genetically modified pig kidneys that can be transplanted into humans – that’s the power of the Wyss Effect. #WorldCRISPRDay
bit.ly/3R5VX59
An informational graphic about CRISPR-based Therapies. At the top is a header that says, “The Wyss Effect.” Then there is a headline that reads, “CRISPR-based Therapies, Ending the global transplant shortage with genetic engineering.” Then there are four subtitles that read, “Healthy Aging,” “Therapeutics,” “Organ Transplantation,” and “Genetics.” Then, there is a timeline that goes along the shape of a nautilus shell. The entries say, “2013 CRISPR-Cas9 used for precise targeted gene editing in mammalian cells,” “2014 Editas Launched,” “2015 eGenesis Founded,” “2019 Vertex Tx Launched,” “2023 First FDA-Approved CRISPR Therapy,” “2024 First Human Transplant,” “2025 FDA Approval for Clinical Trial.” At the bottom, it says, “3-patient clinical trial underway.”
October 20, 2025 at 7:03 PM
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Yesterday, Wyss researchers volunteered at the Cambridge Science Carnival, a family-friendly science extravaganza, where they taught curious minds of all ages about Organ Chips.
Six people standing behind a table; they're holding stickers and display items and there is a projector and microscope on the table Two people standing behind a table as a young boy holds on to a microscope, about to look in A woman pointing to a large-scale model of an Organ Chip A woman gesturing towards a large-scale model of an Organ Chip
September 22, 2025 at 7:47 PM
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Happy #PostdocAppreciationWeek!

Our driven, hardworking, creative postdocs power our engine of innovation towards positive impact. We celebrated these individuals with a lunch, complete with messages of gratitude from across the Institute. Thank you!
Four people sitting at a table smiling, with empty dishes and soda cans in front of them Someone standing and talking into a mic Two people sitting at a table and smiling Five people sitting at a table with empty dishes and soda cans in front of them
September 16, 2025 at 3:44 PM
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Because of the success of the composting program at the Wyss, initiated by our Green Team, and a few other tenant companies, our building is instituting compost collection for everyone to enable all of our work neighbors to prevent pollution and live more sustainably. #PollutionPreventionWeek
Text says, “Since moving into our new habitat in the fall of 2023.” There is a graphic of a trash can, and bold text says, “6,240 pounds of food waste diverted,” then regular text says, “through our composting program.”
September 15, 2025 at 3:20 PM
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Last weekend, Wyss members Kenneth Carlson and James A. Culverwell completed the PMC, raising funds for @danafarbernews.bsky.social.

With their connections to cancer on their minds, the two rode 190 miles over two days. Read Ken's meaningful reflections on the event.

bit.ly/3HdR0Gj
Two men standing on a patio wearing Pan-Mass Challenge shirts
August 8, 2025 at 2:59 PM
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Follow the journey of an idea from the skunkworks of academia as it travels through our translation engine to become an innovation that will have a positive impact on the world. At the Wyss Institute, we are fueled by impatience, because we know the world can’t wait.
August 6, 2025 at 2:52 PM
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Happy Coloring Book Day! To celebrate, members of our community have been enjoying these science-themed coloring pages over the last two weeks.
A bird's eye view of two tables, one has someone working at a computer and the other has someone coloring In a frame, there's a flyer that says, "Relax and Color, National Coloring Book Day is Saturday, August 2. To celebrate, we've provided some science-themed coloring book pages. Feel free to relax and get creative." Then, there is more text at the bottom that is hard to read. It shows an image of someone coloring. There are blank coloring pages, colored pencils and markers on the table. In a frame, there's a flyer that says, "Relax and Color, National Coloring Book Day is Saturday, August 2. To celebrate, we've provided some science-themed coloring book pages. Feel free to relax and get creative." The flyer also shows an image of a hand coloring. On the table there are also three colored-in pages, and cups with colored pencils. Two science-themed coloring pages that are partially colored in. There is a cup on the table with colored pencils and markers.
August 2, 2025 at 5:49 PM
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"My friend needs science. Science needs help." Albert Xue shares that his friend suffers from chronic recurrent pancreatitis caused by a genetic mutation. Research from Wyss Faculty member Pam Silver's lab could help, but recent funding freezes are putting work like this in jeopardy.
bit.ly/40WHPAP
Text says, "Duke is where I met Sean. We fought over FIFA, ate McDonald's at 3 a.m. and were happy. He was dying then, and luckily still is. He does not share easily, but I asked him to anyway, because it was important."
July 24, 2025 at 3:46 PM
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Wyss alum Christina Tringides wore her Wyss hat while visiting Latsi, Cyprus. #WyssInTheWorld
A woman on a boat wearing a Wyss hat
July 11, 2025 at 5:07 PM
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Mariel showed off her Wyss pride during a recent trip to the Netherlands and Norway. #WyssInTheWorld
A woman wearing a Wyss hat on top of a mountain with a city below behind her A woman wearing a Wyss hat standing in front of a canal A woman wearing a bike helmet holding a Wyss water bottle. There's a bike in front of her.
July 7, 2025 at 5:44 PM
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Last week, the Brain Targeting Program held its Annual Partners and Sponsors Meeting, welcoming four new sponsors. The Wyss team presented exciting results on their dual shuttle, combining TfR and CD98hc shuttles, as well as progress on their lead shuttle programs and novel target discovery efforts.
A woman is standing at a podium smiling and holding a mic, she is visible in gaps between the backs of the audience. A man speaking into a mic A woman standing at a podium holding a mic A woman standing, holding a mic
July 3, 2025 at 3:36 PM
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Wyss COO & Tech Translation Director, Angelika Fretzen, moderated a panel on advancing xenotransplantation w/ genetic engineering as part of #BIO2025. They explored the science behind recent breakthroughs, clinical implications, regulatory considerations, and the path forward for these developments.
Six people sitting together on a stage. They're on a long couch, and in the middle are two small tables with a bunch of water bottles. Behind them is a backdrop with the "Bio International Convention" logo three times and then text that says, "The World Can't Wait."
June 25, 2025 at 6:46 PM
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To celebrate the close of the second cohort of our mentoring program, we held a panel discussion on the power of mentoring. Panelists discussed the impact of mentorship, shared key insights, and exchanged ideas on how to keep the spirit of guidance and learning alive in one's professional journey.
Four people smiling at the camera
June 18, 2025 at 4:42 PM
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Happy Pride Month!

We kicked off our celebrations last Monday with a group outing to the Red Sox Pride Night. Then on Thursday, our Administrative Services Team and Lab Safety Advisors hosted a fun Pride event at the office.
Five people posing in Red Sox jerseys in front of a large, lit display that says “BOS PRIDE” and is surrounded by balloons. Four are standing, and the two in the middle are wearing hats. One is sitting in front of them. Four people smiling and posting together behind a kitchen island filled with candy and snacks. There’s a Styrofoam ball with lollipops in it that has a pride flag stuck in it. There are also balloons, one is on the table and is in the shape of a rainbow, and there are others hanging behind the four people that are in the shape of candy. There are also rainbow lanterns. Two people smiling together wearing Red Sox Pride hats. A table with a sign hanging on it that says, “Please take one!! (-:” On the table is a rainbow balloon and a bunch of Pride pins with different designs. You can also see candy and other Pride decorations on the table.
June 17, 2025 at 3:34 PM
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Last week, the Wyss Diagnostics Accelerator (DxA) hosted its Children’s Health Symposium. Leading scientists, clinicians, innovators, and advocates gathered to exchange ideas on improving pediatric health.

Learn more about the Wyss DxA: bit.ly/Wyss-DxA
Two men standing together, smiling A woman speaking at a podium, wearing a nametag A man speaking at a podium holding a clicker with a laptop in front of him A man speaking at a podium with a laptop on it. There are slides behind him, and a crowd in front of him. The photo is shot from the side.
June 11, 2025 at 2:54 PM
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Two weeks ago, members of the Wyss community participated in The Forum 2025, an event hosted by Nucleate Boston. Many Wyss members and Lumineers partook in panel discussions, innovation talks, breakout sessions, and poster presentations as part of Nucleate's Activator Program.
Four people speaking on a stage Two people speaking on a stage. You can see that the slide next to them has their headshots. Four people standing together, there is a stand-up banner between them that says, "NanoDEX" at the top of it. You cannot read most of the text on it, but at the bottom, you can see that highlighted in purple it says "Human health" A man speaking on a stage with a slide next to him showing a bunch of numbers in different colors.
June 2, 2025 at 5:33 PM
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As #AAPIHeritageMonth comes to a close, we're recognizing Peter Tsai, who invented the fabric used in the filters of N95 masks.
Graphic showing a flower in a circle and two circles made of lines going out from the center. Text says, “Asian & Pacific Islander American Heritage Month.” There are other graphics of concentric circles. There is a headshot of Peter Tsai. Text next to that says, “1952-Present, Materials Science.” Then text says, “Peter Tsai” with two of the same circles made of lines on each side. Then text says, “Tsai invented the fabric used in the filters of N95 masks, which were then widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
May 29, 2025 at 5:51 PM
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Today we're giving the spotlight to Margaret Chung, the first American-born Chinese woman to become a physician. #AAPIHeritageMonth #AAPIInSTEM
Text says, “Asian & Pacific Islander American Heritage Month.” There are other graphics of concentric circles. There is a headshot of Margaret Chung. Text next to that says, “1889 – 1959, Medicine.” Text says, “Margaret Chung” with two flowers on either side. Text says, “Chung was the first American-born Chinese woman to become a physician. She established one of the first Western medical clinics in San Francisco’s Chinatown.”
May 27, 2025 at 5:59 PM
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Earlier this week, we had the privilege of hosting the WHAM Spring Forum. Guests had the opportunity to tour the Wyss Institute, learn about our Women's Health Catalyst, and hear from academic and industry leaders. They also had the chance to network and make meaningful connections.
Four women on a panel in front of a room, the woman on the left end is smiling looking at the other three, who are all looking at her. A woman in a lab coat and gloves holding a device. There are others looking at her, one is also in a lab coat. A woman in front of a crowd, standing at a podium, with slides behind her that say, “The WHAM Report” A panel of four people in front of a room with slides saying their names behind them. One person is looking at the other three. The second woman from the left is holding a mic. The other two are looking on smiling.
May 23, 2025 at 4:35 PM
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Today we're highlighting Min Chueh Chang, whose work on in vitro fertilization contributed to the first "test tube baby." He was also involved in the development of the combined contraceptive pill. #AAIPIHeritageMonth
Graphic showing a flower in a circle and two circles made of lines going out from the center. Text says, “Asian & Pacific Islander American Heritage Month.” There are other graphics of concentric circles around the image. There is a headshot of Min Chueh Chang. Text next to that says, “1908-1991, Reproductive Biology.” Text says “Min Chueh Chang” with two of the same circles made of lines on each side. Text says, “Chang’s work on in vitro fertilization contributed to the first “test tube baby” and he was involved in the development of the combined contraceptive pill.”
May 20, 2025 at 5:54 PM
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Today, we're putting the spotlight on Fei-Fei Li! She is the co-founder of AI4ALL, a non-profit working to increase diversity and inclusion in the field of AI. #AAPIHeritageMonth
Graphic showing a flower in a circle and two circles made of lines going out from the center. Text says, “Asian & Pacific Islander American Heritage Month.” There are other graphics of concentric circles. There is a headshot of Fei-Fei Li. Text next to that says, “1976-Present, Computer Science.” Text says, “Fei-Fei Li” with two flowers on either side. Text says, “Li established ImageNet, the dataset that enabled major advances in computer vision in the 2010s. She also co-founded AI4ALL, a nonprofit working to increase diversity and inclusion in the field of AI.”
May 15, 2025 at 7:25 PM