Brain and Cognitive Sciences

By expanding brain tissue twice, researchers were able to obtain high-resolution images of neurons in the hippocampus.

High-resolution imaging with conventional microscopes

Tissue-expansion technique could allow scientists to map brain circuits.

April 17, 2017

Most applications of deep learning use “convolutional” neural networks, in which the nodes of each layer are clustered, the clusters overlap, and each cluster feeds data to multiple nodes (orange and green) of the next layer.

Explained: Neural networks

Ballyhooed artificial-intelligence technique known as “deep learning” revives 70-year-old idea.

April 14, 2017

Mobileye co-founder Amnon Shashua PhD '93 delivered a lecture on autonomous driving at MIT on March 27.

Looking ahead to the future of computer-driven cars

Amnon Shashua PhD ’93, co-founder of Mobileye, discusses challenges associated with autonomous vehicles in MIT visit.

April 13, 2017

MIT professors James Collins (left) and Feng Zhang are co-authors of a new paper reporting that an RNA-targeting CRISPR enzyme can be harnessed as a highly sensitive detector able to indicate the presence of as little as a single molecule of a target RNA or DNA.

Scientists unveil CRISPR-based diagnostic platform

New system adapts tool known for gene editing; to be used in rapid, inexpensive disease diagnosis.

April 13, 2017

Eleven from MIT elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences for 2017

Prestigious honor society announces 228 new members this year.

April 12, 2017

An MIT study of the neural circuits that underlie memory process reveals, for the first time, that memories are formed simultaneously in the hippocampus and the long-term storage location in the brain’s cortex. This image shows memory engram cells (green and red) which are crucial for permanent memory storage in the prefrontal cortex.

Neuroscientists identify brain circuit necessary for memory formation

New findings challenge standard model of memory consolidation.

April 6, 2017

The extent to which a child learns grammar by listening appears to change over time, with a large increase occurring around age 2 and a leveling off taking place in subsequent years, according to a new study.

Articles of faith

A new study of the words “a” and “the” sheds light on language acquisition.

April 6, 2017

Scientists identify brain circuit that drives pleasure-inducing behavior

Surprisingly, the neurons are located in a brain region thought to be linked with fear.

March 22, 2017

Senior Lorraine Wong is the 2017 recipient of the MIT Collier Medal.

Lorraine Wong awarded 2017 MIT Collier Medal

MIT senior in brain and cognitive sciences and women's and gender studies honored for community work supporting mental health and women in STEM.

March 21, 2017

At Hollywood studios in Los Angeles, a celebration of MIT’s ingenuity and drive

Mexico City and Washington are upcoming host cities for the Better World tour.

March 20, 2017

Hannah Iaccarino PhD '16 answers a question about brain cells for Ask MIT, part of MIT+K12 Videos.

Featured video: #AskMIT — Using your full brain

Kids ask tough questions; MIT students, staff, and faculty answer. This episode of "#AskMIT" describes how much of our brains we really use.

March 15, 2017

A new MIT transmitter that measures dopamine overcomes limitations of earlier transmitters, providing accurate readings for longer periods of time and covering more of the brain.

Precise technique tracks dopamine in the brain

New sensor could reveal the neurotransmitter’s role in learning and habit formation.

March 3, 2017

Charles Jennings, director of the McGovern Institute for Brain Research Neurotechnology program.

3Q: US patent office’s ruling on CRISPR

Charles Jennings of MIT’s McGovern Institute discusses the intellectual property dispute over the gene-editing technique.

February 22, 2017

Graduate student Seongjun Park holds an example of a new flexible fiber, which is no bigger than a human hair and has successfully delivered a combination of optical, electrical, and chemical signals back and forth into the brain.

Tiny fibers open new windows into the brain

Three-in-one design allows genetic, chemical, optical, and electrical inputs and outputs.

February 21, 2017

Hock Tan '75 SM '75 (left) and Lisa Yang have made a commitment of $20 million to establish the Hock E. Tan and K. Lisa Yang Center for Autism Research at MIT's McGovern Institute.

New Center for Autism Research established at MIT’s McGovern Institute

A $20 million gift from Lisa Yang and Hock Tan ’75 SM ’75 will catalyze multidisciplinary autism research.

February 9, 2017

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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