Science & Health

Within every cell, the genes that define us hold the keys to understanding health and human potential. Harvard scientists are uncovering how these tiny sequences shape who we are—and how they can transform the future of medicine.

After their daughter was diagnosed with alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC), a rare and life-threatening neurological disorder, the Frost family partnered with Harvard scientists to advance groundbreaking gene-editing research that offers new hope for those affected by AHC and other rare diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the number one cause of death worldwide. Harvard experts are leading the way on advancements in prevention, treatment, risk assessment, and innovative breakthroughs.

Harvard Medical School professor Jessica Whited is studying the ability of axolotls to regrow limbs with the ultimate goal of discovering how to stimulate limb regeneration in human patients.

Harvard researchers have created a soft, wearable robotic device that provides personalized movement assistance for individuals with upper-limb impairment, such as stroke and ALS patients. The latest version of the robot is able to learn each user’s unique movements and provide support for daily activities like eating and drinking.

Traumatic brain injuries vary in severity from mild to life-threatening, but neurologists have limited tools to assess them. A Harvard startup is developing a softer alternative to rigid neural probes that could be inserted into the brain without causing damage.

A new Harvard Medical School study shows that lithium shields the brain from neurodegeneration and maintains the normal function of all major brain cell types—providing a new theory of the disease and a new strategy for early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

A Harvard atmospheric modeling team has created an online platform that could help communities identify areas in need of controlled burns or other fire management strategies, with the goal of preventing future uncontrolled fires and, more specifically, reducing smoke exposures.

Published in 1993, Harvard Chan School’s landmark Six Cities Study—which led to policies curbing air pollution, saving hundreds of thousands of lives—continues to inspire researchers today.

Threats to federal research funding for universities endanger scientific breakthroughs and disease prevention, treatment, and cures.