Brain and Cognitive Sciences

MIT neuroscientists are exploring how the brain handles hierarchical decision-making processes that involve breaking down a larger decision into smaller ones that each carry a degree of uncertainty.

How we make complex decisions

Neuroscientists identify a brain circuit that helps break decisions down into smaller pieces.

May 16, 2019

At left is the brain of a mouse genetically programmed to develop Alzheimer’s disease. At right, the brain of a mouse programmed to develop the disease, but treated with noninvasive visual stimulation, shows much less neurodegeneration.

Why visual stimulation may work against Alzheimer’s

New findings help explain the surprising discovery that exposure to flickering light reduces amyloid plaques in mice.

May 7, 2019

A computer model of vision created by MIT neuroscientists designed these images that can stimulate very high activity in individual neurons.

Putting vision models to the test

Study shows that artificial neural networks can be used to drive brain activity.

May 2, 2019

A new MIT Picower Institute study in a fruit fly model of epilepsy reveals how the genetic mutation involved leads to seizures: an imbalance of ions.

Study reveals how glial cells may play key epilepsy role

Mutation in disease model flies undermines maintenance of key ion balance.

May 2, 2019

In the Alzheimer’s affected brain, abnormal levels of the beta-amyloid protein clump together to form plaques (seen in brown) that collect between neurons and disrupt cell function. Abnormal collections of the tau protein accumulate and form tangles (seen in blue) within neurons, harming synaptic communication between nerve cells.

A comprehensive map of how Alzheimer’s affects the brain

Analysis of genes altered by the disease could provide targets for new treatments.

May 1, 2019

MIT neuroscientists will study the effects of phytocannabinoids on dopamine-containing neurons (turquoise) in basal ganglia circuits. These deep-brain circuits, which contain receptors that mediate the effects of cannabis, are known to influence mood and decision-making processes.

Alumnus gives MIT $4.5 million to establish the Broderick Fund for Phytocannabinoid Research

Gifts to MIT and Harvard Medical School totaling $9 million will fund independent research on cannabinoid’s influence on brain health and behavior.

April 30, 2019

Artistic rendering of artificial intelligence and deep learning visual recognition systems

For better deep neural network vision, just add feedback (loops)

The DiCarlo lab finds that a recurrent architecture helps both artificial intelligence and our brains to better identify objects.

April 29, 2019

In the neuron, a protective covering called myelin (grey) insulates the axon and increases the speed of electrical communication along the length of the neuron.

Neuroscientists reverse some behavioral symptoms of Williams Syndrome

Mouse study yields insights into the rare condition, may shed light on other neurological disorders.

April 22, 2019

How our gray matter tackles gray areas

Marshall Scholar Katie O’Nell investigates how the brain resolves complicated questions involving morality and generosity.

April 18, 2019

Four from MIT elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences for 2019

Prestigious honor society announces more than 200 new members.

April 17, 2019

A new “particle simulator” developed by MIT researchers improves robots’ abilities to mold materials into simulated target shapes and interact with solid objects and liquids. This could give robots a refined touch for industrial applications or for personal robotics— such as shaping clay or rolling sticky sushi rice.

Giving robots a better feel for object manipulation

Model improves a robot’s ability to mold materials into shapes and interact with liquids and solid objects.

April 16, 2019

This work created by Sarah Schwettmann is on display in the MIT Museum Studio.

3Q: The interface between art and neuroscience

PhD student Sarah Schwettmann explains how the study of visual perception can translate students’ creativity across domains.

April 16, 2019

Researchers saw sharp increases in the power of theta frequency rhythms (warmer colors) in the frontal cortex as volunteers performed an experimental task.

Deep stimulation improves cognitive control by augmenting brain rhythms

Finding could improve development of personalized psychiatric treatments.

April 8, 2019

$Researchers trained a hybrid AI model to answer questions like “Does the red object left of the green cube have the same shape as the purple matte thing?” by feeding it examples of object colors and shapes followed by more complex scenarios involving multi-object comparisons. The model could transfer this knowledge to new scenarios as well as or better than state-of-the-art models using a frac...$

Teaching machines to reason about what they see

Researchers combine statistical and symbolic artificial intelligence techniques to speed learning and improve transparency.

April 2, 2019

School of Science announces 2019 Infinite Mile Awards

Ten staff members in the School of Science are recognized for going above and beyond their job descriptions to support a better Institute.