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.
High school students from across the US receive 2020 MIT AgeLab OMEGA Scholarships
Awards to be used for ongoing work with older adults.
Alzheimer’s risk gene disrupts endocytosis, but another disease-linked gene could help
Astrocytes with the APOE4 gene variant show deficits of a key cellular function, but overexpressing the gene PICALM overcame the defect.
J-PAL North America launches MIT Roybal Center for Translational Research to Improve Health Care for the Aging
Center will work with affiliated researchers to test low-cost, high-impact behavioral interventions to improve health-care delivery and health outcomes for aging adults in the United States.
Remote panel of “oldest old” finds virtual life amid pandemic
Moving online, AgeLab research and outreach program for individuals 85 and older reveals surprising outcomes and extends MIT’s reach.