Study reveals how an anesthesia drug induces unconsciousness
Propofol, a drug commonly used for general anesthesia, derails the brain’s normal balance between stability and excitability.
Picower Institute for Learning and Memory
“UnrulyArt” creates joy and engagement, regardless of ability
Researchers and staff from MIT, including from the Simons Center for the Social Brain, collaborated with schoolchildren with special needs to create art, have fun, and learn from each other.
Professor Emerita Mary-Lou Pardue, pioneering cellular and molecular biologist, dies at 90
Known for her rigorous approach to science and her influential research, Pardue paved the way for women in science at MIT and beyond.
Microscope system sharpens scientists’ view of neural circuit connections
A newly described technology improves the clarity and speed of using two-photon microscopy to image synapses in the living brain.
Technologies enable 3D imaging of whole human brain hemispheres at subcellular resolution
Three innovations by an MIT-based team enable high-resolution, high-throughput imaging of human brain tissue at a full range of scales, and mapping connectivity of neurons at single-cell resolution.
With programmable pixels, novel sensor improves imaging of neural activity
New camera chip design allows for optimizing each pixel’s timing to maximize signal-to-noise ratio when tracking real-time visual indicator of neural voltage.
Catalyst Symposium helps lower “activation barriers” for rising biology researchers
Second annual assembly, sponsored by the Department of Biology and Picower Institute, invited postdocs from across the country to meet with faculty, present their work to the MIT community, and build relationships.
Study models how ketamine’s molecular action leads to its effects on the brain
New research addresses a gap in understanding how ketamine’s impact on individual neurons leads to pervasive and profound changes in brain network function.
Understanding why autism symptoms sometimes improve amid fever
With support from The Marcus Foundation, an MIT neuroscientist and a Harvard Medical School immunologist will study the “fever effect” in an effort to devise therapies that mimic its beneficial effects.
To understand cognition — and its dysfunction — neuroscientists must learn its rhythms
A new framework describes how thought arises from the coordination of neural activity driven by oscillating electric fields — a.k.a. brain “waves” or “rhythms.”
MIT tops among single-campus universities in US patents granted
For 10th consecutive year, the Institute ranks No. 2 among all colleges and No. 1 among colleges with one main campus, underlying the impact of innovation and critical role of technology transfer.
Study: Movement disorder ALS and cognitive disorder FTLD show strong molecular overlaps
Single-cell gene expression patterns in the brain, and evidence from follow-up experiments, reveal many shared cellular and molecular similarities that could be targeted for potential treatment.
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.
A noninvasive treatment for “chemo brain”
Stimulating gamma brain waves may protect cancer patients from memory impairment and other cognitive effects of chemotherapy.
School of Science announces 2024 Infinite Expansion Awards
Nine postdocs and research scientists honored for contributions to the Institute.