News: Michael J. Cima

Cima part of team that developed new, more accurate neural implants

July 6, 2018

New technologies such as optogenetics have allowed us to identify similar microstructures in the brain. However, these techniques rely on liquid infusions into the brain, which prepare the regions to be studied to respond to light. These infusions are done with large needles, which do not have…  

New Neural Implants developed by Prof. Cima

June 27, 2018

New technologies such as optogenetics have allowed us to identify similar microstructures in the brain. However, these techniques rely on liquid infusions into the brain, which prepare the regions to be studied to respond to light. These infusions are done with large needles, which do not have…  

Cima takes on new role to promote innovation

March 2, 2018

Michael J. Cima has been named co-director of the MIT Innovation Initiative and associate dean of innovation for the School of Engineering. Cima, the David H. Koch Professor of Engineering, will begin his new roles on March 1. He will also continue as faculty director of the Lemelson-MIT…  

Ultrathin needle can deliver drugs directly to the brain

January 25, 2018

MIT researchers have devised a miniaturized system that can deliver tiny quantities of medicine to brain regions as small as 1 cubic millimeter. This type of targeted dosing could make it possible to treat diseases that affect very specific brain circuits, without interfering with the normal…  

Deshpande Center and J-WAFS announce fall 2017 research grants

October 17, 2017

The MIT Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation announced today the award of $768,000 in grants to 17 MIT research teams currently working on early-stage technologies. DMSE-related projects include: "Structured Nucleic Acid Nanoparticle Therapeutic Delivery Platform" — Mark Bathe,…  

Study offers guidance for targeting residual ovarian tumors

May 23, 2017

A new study conducted by Michael Cima explores ways to improve chemotherapy strategies for ovarian cancer, and how to determine which patients would be most likely to benefit from a new implantable device that could make intraperitoneal chemotherapy more bearable. "Most women diagnosed…  

Making brain implants smaller could prolong their lifespan

May 17, 2017

Michael Cima has a new paper on brain implants and gliosis, which is scarring produced by the implant. This kind of implant is used for deep brain stimulation to treat Parkinson’s disease, among other uses, but about half of them fail within six months due to gliosis. The new study found…  

Precise technique tracks dopamine in the brain

March 9, 2017

"MIT researchers have devised a way to measure dopamine in the brain much more precisely than previously possible, which should allow scientists to gain insight into dopamine’s roles in learning, memory, and emotion. "Dopamine is one of the many neurotransmitters that neurons in the brain…  

National Academy of Inventors

December 13, 2016

Please join us in congratulating Professor Michael Cima who has been elected to the National Academy of Inventors. This honor recognizes a "prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development,…  

Real-time data for cancer therapy

August 5, 2015

In the battle against cancer, which kills nearly 8 million people worldwide each year, doctors have in their arsenal many powerful weapons, including various forms of chemotherapy and radiation. What they lack, however, is good reconnaissance — a reliable way to obtain real-time data about how…  

Better chemotherapy through targeted delivery

October 26, 2014

Every year, about 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with brain tumors that have spread from elsewhere in the body. These tumors, known as metastases, are usually treated with surgery followed by chemotherapy, but the cancer often returns. With collaborators at Brigham and Women's and Johns Hopkins…  

Shape-memory materials used to treat disease

October 15, 2014

The millions of people worldwide who suffer from the painful bladder disease known as interstitial cystitis (IC) may soon have a better, long-term treatment option, thanks to a controlled-release, implantable device invented by MIT professor Michael Cima and other researchers. Learn more from…  

Pharmacy on a chip

April 24, 2014

CNN spotlighted MicroCHIPS, a company working on implantable devices that deliver medications as controlled by a doctor. Professor Michael Cima is one of the founders…  

Science of Innovation: 3-D Printing

February 12, 2013

NBC visited MIT to film demonstrations of 3-D Printing and interview Professor Michael Cima. Many members of the DMSE community were involved in the development of 3-D Printing: faculty, students, staff, alums — it's a technology with wide applications! …  

3.091 to be offered as part of MITx

July 23, 2012

This spring, MIT launched an online learning collaboration, edX, that will allow anyone, anywhere with an internet connection to take classes aimed at a college audience, for personal or professional advancement or for a certificate of completion. A version of 3.091 will be available through…