With nearly 1 million square feet of dedicated research space, Mass General is improving patient care and our understanding of human disease through an impressive range of research that includes basic laboratory investigation, bench-to-bedside research and clinical trials of promising new drugs and devices.
Mass General has the largest hospital-based research program in the United States. Explore some of our current research projects and recent milestones in cancer, AIDS, genetics, transplantation, schizophrenia and basic research.
Find more information below about current research projects and recent milestones featured in the slideshow.
Imaging: 3D Mammography
A New Dimension in Breast Imaging
Pioneered at Mass General, 3D mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis, produces a 3D view of breast tissue to improve breast-cancer screening and detection while reducing callbacks and anxiety for women.
- Watch Dr. Elizabeth Rafferty, director of Breast Imaging, explain and demonstrate breast tomosynthesis
- Learn more about our breast imaging team, one of the country's largest teams of dedicated specialists
- Request a screening mammogram appointment with tomosynthesis
Cancer: Genotyping and Smart Drugs
A Smarter Way to Treat Cancer
Armed with tiny pills and a growing library of cancer-causing mutations, the Cancer Center is paving the way to personalized medicine.
- Hear Alice Shaw, MD, PhD, explain why patients with lung cancer can benefit from genetic testing
- Watch Bill Schuette's story, a lung cancer patient undergoing smart drug treatment
- Learn more about the Cancer Center
HIV/AIDS: Finding a Vaccine
Unraveling the Mysteries of AIDs
Small protein changes may make a big difference in natural HIV control.
- Read more about the study on the Ragon Institute's website
- Learn more about Bruce Walker's work in South Africa
Basic Science: The 2009 Nobel Prize in Medicine
Nobel Laureate, Scientific Pioneer
Mass General's Jack Szostak, PhD, awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
- View a graphic explaining the science behind Dr. Szostak's Nobel-prize-winning research
- Watch an excerpt from Dr. Szostak's Nobel lecture
- View a slideshow about Dr. Szostak's breakthrough contributions to many areas of biology and genetics
Organ Transplantation: Ending Lifelong Dependence on Drugs
Conquering Organ Rejection
Breakthrough procedure avoids lifelong dependence on drugs.
- Watch Jennifer Searl's story, the first person in the world to undergo Mass General's breakthrough procedure
- Learn more about the Transplant Center
Cancer: Early Detection Using a Simple Blood Test
A New Milestone in the Fight Against Cancer
Landmark grant from Stand Up to Cancer accelerates CTC-chip research led by the Cancer Center.
- Read about Mass General's new collaboration with Johnson & Johnson to develop and commercialize new CTC technologies
- Read about the second generation CTC-chip, the HB-chip
- Learn more about Mass General's Circulating Tumor Cell Center
- Learn more about the Cancer Center
Basic Science: Reprogramming Cells
Reprogrammed Cells "Remember," Retain Characteristics of Their Cells of Origin
Cellular memory may both benefit and complicate future uses, vanishes with long-term culturing.
- Read about Dr. Hochedlinger's Howard Hughes Medical Institute Early Career Award
- Learn more about the Hochedlinger lab
Psychiatry: The Genetics of Schizophrenia
Large Study Uncovers Surprisingly Diverse Genome Alterations That Contribute to Schizophrenia
Rare chromosomal abnormalities of all types elevate risk of developing devastating psychiatric disorder.
- Learn more about the Psychiatric and Neurodevelopment Genetics Unit
- Learn more about the Department of Psychiatry
Basic Science: MicroRNA
Tiny Molecules, Vast Potential
MicroRNAs revolutionize our understanding of gene regulation.
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