In Good Shape: Using Machine Learning to Improve Cancer Therapy

In Good Shape: Using Machine Learning to Improve Cancer Therapy

Collections: Image Award Winners, Nano-based Drugs

2019 Award Winner

Daniel Reker, Jee Won Yang, Natsuda Navamajiti, Ruonan Cao, Dong Soo Yun, Giovanni Traverso, Robert Langer

Koch Institute at MIT

This image juxtaposes a molecular dynamics simulation (left) and an electron microscopy image (right) of sorafenib. Sorafenib, like many other cancer drugs, can spontaneously form intricate nano-scale structures that change how the drug behaves.

The Langer Lab uses smart algorithms to compare simulations to reality and analyze or predict the assembly of these nanostructures under various conditions. Their findings allow them to design better versions of the drugs to improve patient outcomes.

This image was taken on a JEOL 2100 FEG TEM. The work was published in Nature Nanotechnology in 2021.

Video

Daniel Reker shares the story behind his image. You can also watch his presentation from the exhibition opening here.