How the brain responds to reward is linked to socioeconomic background
An MIT study finds the brains of children who grow up in less affluent households are less responsive to rewarding experiences.
Department
Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Evidence that gamma rhythm stimulation can treat neurological disorders is emerging
Researchers survey a broadening landscape of studies showing what’s known, and what remains to be found, about the therapeutic potential of noninvasive sensory, electrical, or magnetic stimulation of gamma brain rhythms.
Study reveals a universal pattern of brain wave frequencies
Across mammalian species, brain waves are slower in deep cortical layers, while superficial layers generate faster rhythms.
Three honored with 2023 School of Science teaching prizes
Roger Levy, Pulin Li, and David McGee were nominated by peers and students for their exceptional instruction.
Nanoparticle-delivered RNA reduces neuroinflammation in lab tests
MIT researchers find that in mice and human cell cultures, lipid nanoparticles can deliver a potential therapy for inflammation in the brain, a prominent symptom in Alzheimer’s.
Deep neural networks show promise as models of human hearing
Study shows computational models trained to perform auditory tasks display an internal organization similar to that of the human auditory cortex.
How a mutation in microglia elevates Alzheimer’s risk
A new study finds that microglia with mutant TREM2 protein reduce brain circuit connections, promote inflammation, and contribute to Alzheimer’s pathology in other ways.
Elly Nedivi receives 2023 Kreig Cortical Kudos Discoverer Award
The neuroscientist is recognized for her ongoing work to understand molecular and cellular mechanisms that enable the brain to adapt to experience.
A new way to see the activity inside a living cell
Using fluorescent labels that switch on and off, MIT engineers can study how molecules in a cell interact to control the cell’s behavior.
Search algorithm reveals nearly 200 new kinds of CRISPR systems
By analyzing bacterial data, researchers have discovered thousands of rare new CRISPR systems that have a range of functions and could enable gene editing, diagnostics, and more.
Three MIT affiliates receive Schmidt awards
Jörn Dunkel and Surya Ganguli ’98, MNG ’98 receive Science Polymath awards; Josh Tenenbaum is named AI2050 Senior Fellow.
Mark Bear wins Society for Neuroscience Julius Axelrod Prize
Award recognizes professor's synaptic plasticity research, its translation to potential amblyopia and autism treatments, and his career of mentorship.
Rewarding excellence in open data
MIT researchers who share their data recognized at second annual awards celebration.
Aging Brain Initiative symposium showcases “cutting-edge” research across MIT
Seed projects, posters represent a wide range of labs working on technologies, therapeutic strategies, and fundamental research to advance understanding of age-related neurodegenerative disease.
A new wave of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease
Professor Li-Huei Tsai studies how brain waves can be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.