Just thinking about a location activates mental maps in the brain
MIT neuroscientists have found that the brain uses the same cognitive representations whether navigating through space physically or mentally.
McGovern Institute
Nancy Kanwisher, Robert Langer, and Sara Seager named Kavli Prize Laureates
MIT scientists honored in each of the three Kavli Prize categories: neuroscience, nanoscience, and astrophysics, respectively.
MIT scientists learn how to control muscles with light
A new study suggests optogenetics can drive muscle contraction with greater control and less fatigue than electrical stimulation.
Five MIT faculty elected to the National Academy of Sciences for 2024
Guoping Feng, Piotr Indyk, Daniel Kleitman, Daniela Rus, Senthil Todadri, and nine alumni are recognized by their peers for their outstanding contributions to research.
Using MRI, engineers have found a way to detect light deep in the brain
The new technique could enable detailed studies of how brain cells develop and communicate with each other.
Women in STEM — A celebration of excellence and curiosity
An MIT Values event showcased three women's career journeys and how they are paving the way for the next generation.
From neurons to learning and memory
Mark Harnett investigates how electrical activity in mammalian cortical cells helps to produce neural computations that give rise to behavior.
Reevaluating an approach to functional brain imaging
An MRI method purported to detect neurons’ rapid impulses produces its own misleading signals instead, an MIT study finds.
A new computational technique could make it easier to engineer useful proteins
MIT researchers plan to search for proteins that could be used to measure electrical activity in the brain.
For people who speak many languages, there’s something special about their native tongue
An MIT study finds the brains of polyglots expend comparatively little effort when processing their native language.
How sensory gamma rhythm stimulation clears amyloid in Alzheimer’s mice
Study finds stimulating a key brain rhythm with light and sound increases peptide release from interneurons, driving clearance of an Alzheimer’s protein.
How the brain coordinates speaking and breathing
MIT neuroscientists have discovered a circuit that controls vocalization and makes sure that breathing is prioritized over speaking.
School of Science announces 2024 Infinite Expansion Awards
Nine postdocs and research scientists honored for contributions to the Institute.
Exposure to different kinds of music influences how the brain interprets rhythm
A study of people in 15 countries reveals that while everyone favors rhythms with simple integer ratios, biases can vary quite a bit across societies.
Imaging method reveals new cells and structures in human brain tissue
A new microscopy technique that enables high-resolution imaging could one day help doctors diagnose and treat brain tumors.