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.
Picower Institute for Learning and Memory
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.
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.
Queen of hearts
Professor Laurie Boyer studies cardiac development, and how we might be able to mend broken hearts.
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.
Anesthesia doesn't simply turn off the brain — it changes its rhythms
Simultaneous measurement of neural rhythms and spikes across five brain areas reveals how propofol induces unconsciousness.
Michale Fee appointed head of the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Will continue initiatives in academics, mentoring, and DEIJ while building on legacy of academic and scientific excellence.
Five from MIT elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences for 2021
Prestigious honor society announces more than 250 new members.
School of Science announces 2021 Infinite Mile awards
Thirteen staff members recognized for dedication to School of Science and to MIT.
Mice naturally engage in physical distancing, study finds
MIT neuroscientists have identified a brain circuit that stops mice from mating with others that appear to be sick.
Study offers an explanation for why the APOE4 gene enhances Alzheimer’s risk
The gene variant disrupts lipid metabolism, but in cell experiments the effects were reversed by choline supplements.
Basic cell health systems wear down in Huntington’s disease, analysis shows
A new computational approach for analyzing complex datasets shows that as disease progresses, neurons and astrocytes lose the ability to maintain homeostasis.