A “golden era” to study the brain
“We can’t think of the brain only as neurons,” says PhD student Mitch Murdock, who explores the cellular basis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Picower Institute for Learning and Memory
Study reveals how environment and state are integrated to control behavior
A simple animal model shows how stimuli and states such as smells, stressors, and satiety converge in an olfactory neuron to guide food-seeking behavior.
How the brain focuses on what’s in mind
When holding information in mind, neural activity is more focused when and where there are bursts of gamma frequency rhythms.
Microscopy technique reveals hidden nanostructures in cells and tissues
Separating densely packed molecules before imaging allows them to become visible for the first time.
When Alzheimer’s degrades cells that cross hemispheres, visual memory suffers
Research reveals cells that span brain hemispheres to coordinate activity in visual processing centers, shows Alzheimer’s degrades their structure and function.
When a task adds more steps, this brain circuit helps you notice
By tracking feedback during tasks, the anterior cingulate cortex notices when a new step has become necessary and signals the motor cortex to adjust.
Advanced imaging reveals mired migration of neurons in Rett syndrome lab models
Using organoids to model early development, researchers used an emerging microscopy technology to see that new neurons struggled to reach their developmental destination.
Sprint then stop? The brain is wired for the math to make it happen
To ensure a quick halt, brain circuit architecture avoids a slow process of integration in favor of quicker differentiation, study finds.
New findings reveal how neurons build and maintain their capacity to communicate
Nerve cells regulate and routinely refresh the collection of calcium channels that enable them to send messages across circuit connections.
How the brain responds to surprising events
Unexpected outcomes trigger release of noradrenaline, which helps the brain focus its attention and learn from the event.
Emery Brown wins a share of 2022 Gruber Neuroscience Prize
Brown and three other scientists recognized for advancing statistical, theoretical analyses of neuroscience data.
Circuit that focuses attention brings in wide array of inputs
With a comprehensive map of the wiring, researchers can now discern what information flows into the circuit to enable a key brain function.
A single memory is stored across many connected brain regions
Innovative brain-wide mapping study shows that an “engram,” the ensemble of neurons encoding a memory, is widely distributed and includes regions not previously realized.
Aging Brain Initiative awards fund five new ideas to study, fight neurodegeneration
Competitive seed grants launch yearlong investigations of novel hypotheses about potential causes, biomarkers, treatments of Alzheimer’s and ALS.
School of Science announces 2022 Infinite Mile Awards
Seven staff members are recognized for their dedication to the School of Science and to MIT.