Neuroscientists discover a molecular mechanism that allows memories to form
Modifications to chromosomes in “engram” neurons control the encoding and retrieval of memories.
Picower Institute for Learning and Memory
Statistical model improves analysis of skin conductance
By accounting for sweat physiology, method can make better use of electrodermal activity for tracking subconscious changes in physical or emotional state.
Alzheimer’s risk gene disrupts endocytosis, but another disease-linked gene could help
Astrocytes with the APOE4 gene variant show deficits of a key cellular function, but overexpressing the gene PICALM overcame the defect.
Live imaging method brings structure to mapping brain function
Scientists distinguish brain regions based on what they do, but now have a new way to overlay information about how they are built.
As information flows through brain’s heirarchy, higher regions use higher-frequency waves
Study also finds specific frequency bands of brain waves associated with encoding, or inhibiting encoding, of sensory information across the cortex.
Study suggests animals think probabilistically to distinguish contexts
New statistical model may help scientists understand how animals infer whether surroundings are novel or haven’t changed enough to be a new context.
Neural vulnerability in Huntington’s disease tied to release of mitochondrial RNA
Unique survey of gene expression by cell type in humans and mice reveals several deficits affecting the most vulnerable neurons.
Seemingly similar, two neurons show distinct styles as they interact with the same muscle partner
Diversity in how cells talk to the muscle they innervate reveal distinct propensities for change, or “plasticity.”
Findings weaken notion that size equals strength for neural connections
Among study’s many surprises may be a new way to address Fragile X syndrome — by finding a “protein X.”
How worms move: Dopamine helps nematodes coordinate motor behaviors
To spy on worms for days on end, Picower Institute scientists invent a new open-source microscopy platform.
Like a treasure map, brain region emphasizes reward location
The lateral septum encodes spatial information with a special emphasis on where the reward lies.
Study finds path for addressing Alzheimer’s blood-brain barrier impairment
MIT researchers pinpoint mechanism and demonstrate that drugs could help.
Research highlights immune molecule’s complex role in Huntington’s disease
Knocking out the immune cytokine IL-6 exacerbates symptoms in HD model mice, affects neural connection genes.
Making tissue stretchable, compressible, and nearly indestructible
Chemical process called ELAST allows labeling probes to infuse more quickly, and makes samples tough enough for repeated handling.
Scientists find a new way to reverse symptoms of Fragile X
Drug compound, tested in mice, could be effective in treating the leading heritable cause of intellectual disability and autism.