Mentees, colleagues, friends share remembrances of Susumu Tonegawa
To remember the longtime professor, lab members, alumni, colleagues, and other well-wishers gathered with members of his family in MIT Building 46 and online.
How the biggest Alzheimer’s risk gene disrupts the process of insulating neurons
MIT researchers showed that the APOE4 gene variant suppresses molecular signaling needed for oligodendrocytes to myelinate neurons and also demonstrated a proof-of-concept fix.
Cognition and consciousness arise from analog computations, says new theory
The brain's ability to generate quick, nimble volitional thought — and a unified awareness of thought and experience — arises from analog computations, MIT neuroscientists argue in a new review.
Brain circuit keeps tabs on what just happened to aid judgment of what’s happening now
To keep track of what’s going on in front of it, the brain relies not only on what it sees, but also a comparison with what it just saw. A new study pinpoints the circuit that provides that service.
Flexible brain circuits can switch between different tasks
Neuroscientists have discovered circuits in the prefrontal cortex that can be repurposed to store different types of information.
Turning molecules into reliable electronic devices
A new fabrication platform integrates molecules into electronic devices, opening the door to emerging computing technologies.
Electric fields help guide neural activity, even from moment to moment
A new study adds evidence that electric fields in the brain help to organize and shape underlying neural activity via “ephaptic coupling.”
New chip could help tiny robots traverse complex environments
Researchers combined an efficient algorithm with dedicated hardware to rapidly generate 3D maps for navigation using minimal memory and power.
Immune-informed brain aging research offers new treatment possibilities, speakers say
Speakers at MIT’s Aging Brain Initiative symposium described how immune system factors during aging contribute to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other conditions. The field is leveraging that knowledge to develop new therapies.
MIT engineers develop a magnetic transistor for more energy-efficient electronics
A new device concept opens the door to compact, high-performance transistors with built-in memory.
Alzheimer’s erodes brain cells’ control of gene expression, undermining function, cognition
Study of 3.5 million cells from more than 100 human brains finds Alzheimer’s progression — and resilience to disease — depends on preserving epigenomic stability.
Overlooked cells might explain the human brain’s huge storage capacity
MIT researchers developed a new model of memory that includes critical contributions from astrocytes, a class of brain cells.
In Down syndrome mice, 40Hz light and sound improve cognition, neurogenesis, connectivity
New evidence suggests sensory stimulation of gamma-frequency brain rhythm may promote broad-based restorative neurological health response.
Dopamine signals when a fear can be forgotten
Study shows how a dopamine circuit enables mice to extinguish fear after a peril has passed, opening new avenues for understanding and potentially treating fear-related disorders.
TeleAbsence: Poetic encounters with the past
MIT researchers lay out design principles behind the TeleAbsence vision, how it could help people cope with loss and plan for how they might be remembered.