Brain’s “memory center” is needed to recognize image sequences, but not single sights
The visual cortex stores and remembers individual images, but mice can’t recognize image sequences without guidance from the hippocampus.
Department
Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Five MIT School of Science professors receive tenure for 2021
Professors earn tenure in the departments of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics.
Memory-making involves extensive DNA breaking
To quickly express learning and memory genes, brain cells snap both strands of DNA in many more places and cell types than previously realized, a new study shows.
2021 Teaching with Digital Technology Awards honor MIT educators’ innovation and empathy
Twenty-three instructors recognized for extraordinary online teaching with annual student-nominated award.
Three from MIT receive 2021 Hertz Foundation Fellowships
The five-year award aims to empower “the most promising innovators in science and technology.”
Some brain disorders exhibit similar circuit malfunctions
Study suggests a common mechanism underlies some behavioral traits seen in autism and schizophrenia.
As novel sights become familiar, different brain rhythms and neurons take over
As “visual recognition memory” emerges in the visual cortex, one circuit of inhibitory neurons supplants another, and slower neural oscillations prevail.
Four researchers earn interdisciplinary Schmidt Science Fellowships
Selective global honor supports early-career scientists and engineers in taking on new pursuits.
A unique collaboration with US Special Operations Command
Nearly 300 government and military members participated in a new course designed to explore the next generation of artificial intelligence and related technologies.
A new technique for correcting disease-causing mutations
Novel method, developed by McGovern Institute researchers, may lead to safer, more efficient gene therapies.
Training robots to manipulate soft and deformable objects
A virtual environment embedded with knowledge of the physical world speeds up problem-solving.
On systemic sources of early life stress, and empathetic responses
At Picower Institute symposium, speakers describe harms of early exposure to trauma, racism, as well as the restorative power of understanding, nurturing, and extending opportunity.
New algorithms show accuracy, reliability in gauging unconsciousness under general anesthesia
Machine learning software advances could help anesthesiologists optimize drug dose.
Thirteen from MIT awarded 2021 Fulbright Fellowships
Grants will support their research, graduate study, and teaching abroad in 2021-22.
New system cleans messy data tables automatically
With just 50 lines of code, the program spots and fixes likely errors.