Three distinct brain circuits in the thalamus contribute to Parkinson’s symptoms
Targeting these circuits could offer a new way to reverse motor dysfunction and depression in Parkinson’s patients.
Students imagine better products, services, and infrastructure for an aging society
Projects from a new MIT urban studies and planning course speak to the impact of increased longevity on systems and markets.
Chemists reveal how tau proteins form tangles
Two types of tau proteins mix together in a nearly random way to generate the tangles seen in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
New research center focused on brain-body relationship established at MIT
K. Lisa Yang Brain-Body Center to investigate the brain’s complex relationship with other body systems.
A brain circuit in the thalamus helps us hold information in mind
This circuit, which weakens with age, could offer a target to help prevent age-related decline in spatial memory.
Aging Brain Initiative awards fund five new ideas to study, fight neurodegeneration
Competitive seed grants launch yearlong investigations of novel hypotheses about potential causes, biomarkers, treatments of Alzheimer’s and ALS.
In Down syndrome cells, genome-wide disruptions mimic a senescence-like state
Extra chromosome alters chromosomal conformation and DNA accessibility in neural progenitor cells; study establishes senescence as a potentially targetable mechanism for future treatment.
For stem cells, bigger doesn’t mean better
MIT biologists show that enlargement of blood stem cells restricts their ability to generate new blood cells during aging.
Study links gene to cognitive resilience in the elderly
The findings may help explain why some people who lead enriching lives are less prone to Alzheimer’s and age-related dementia.
OMEGA scholarships awarded to high school students who fostered multigenerational connections
Annual MIT AgeLab scholarship encourages interaction between youth and older adults.
Comparing seniors who relocate long-distance shows where you live affects your longevity
Analysis of Medicare data finds location matters, not just past health behavior.
Memory-making involves extensive DNA breaking
To quickly express learning and memory genes, brain cells snap both strands of DNA in many more places and cell types than previously realized, a new study shows.
MIT students and alumni “hack” Hong Kong Kowloon East
Activating technology for urban life with a virtual site visit to Hong Kong in collaboration with the Department of Urban Studies and Planning.
Aspiring physician explores the many levels of human health
During her time at MIT, senior Ayesha Ng’s interests have expanded from cellular biology to the social systems that shape public health.
Study helps explain why motivation to learn declines with age
Research on mice suggests aging affects a brain circuit critical for learning to make some types of decisions.