Brain and cognitive sciences

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.

April 2, 2019

Professor Susan Silbey provided a rousing defense of the humanities during her lightning talk at the 2019 MacVicar Day symposium.

Celebrating passionate teachers and enthusiastic learners

At this year's MacVicar Day symposium, faculty and students reflect on the challenges and joys of education in the 21st century.

March 29, 2019

David Pesetsky is the Ferrari P. Ward Professor of Modern Languages and Linguistics at MIT.

3 Questions: What is linguistics?

MIT Professor David Pesetsky describes the science of language and how it sheds light on deep properties of the human mind.

March 27, 2019

Perception of a familiar face, such as Scarlett Johansson, is more robust than for unfamiliar faces, such as German celebrity Karoline Herferth.

What's in a face?

McGovern Institute researchers find that the brain starts to register gender and age before recognizing a face.

March 22, 2019

A group of academic institutions has granted a license for SHERLOCK, the highly-sensitive, low-cost CRISPR-based diagnostic, for commercial uses in the developed world, while reserving rights to enable its broad use by organizations to serve developing nations as well as unmet public health needs in the developed world.

Academic institutions grant commercial license for CRISPR-based SHERLOCK diagnostic technology in developed world

Rights are protected for broad use in developing world and for public health needs.

March 21, 2019

Picower Professor Li-Huei Tsai (standing), co-director of the Alana Down Syndrome Center, reviews data in the lab with Senior Alana Fellow Hiruy Meharena.

Alana gift to MIT launches Down syndrome research center, technology program for disabilities

Foundation’s $28.6 million gift will fund science, innovation, and education to advance understanding, ability, and inclusion.

March 20, 2019

The origami gripper can lift a wide range of objects, from apples and soup cans to wine glasses and drones.

Robot hand is soft and strong

Gripper device inspired by “origami magic ball” can grasp wide array of delicate and heavy objects.

March 15, 2019

By exposing mice to a unique combination of light and sound, MIT neuroscientists have shown that they can improve cognitive and memory impairments similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s patients. At left, the mouse cortex shows a reduction in amyloid plaques following visual and auditory stimulation, compared to the untreated mouse at right.

Brain wave stimulation may improve Alzheimer’s symptoms

Noninvasive treatment improves memory and reduces amyloid plaques in mice.

March 14, 2019

MIT researchers have found that the part of the visual cortex known as the inferotemporal (IT) cortex is required to distinguish between different objects.

How the brain distinguishes between objects

Study shows that a brain region called the inferotemporal cortex is key to differentiating bears from chairs.

March 13, 2019

Singer Renée Fleming delivering the Spring 2019 Compton Lecture at MIT’s Kresge Auditorium on Monday, March 11, 2019.

Opera star Renée Fleming explores music and minds in MIT talk

Compton Lecture delves into the frontiers of exploration linking neuroscience, music, and health.

March 12, 2019

Institute Professor Barbara Liskov (right) was one of the academic and industry leaders who participated in Tuesday’s “Perspectives from Luminaries” panel, part of the celebration of the new MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing. Professors Stefanie Mueller (left) and Vivienne Sze (center) moderated the panel.

Lighting the path

Luminaries in computing and cognition discuss their journeys and share their insights.

February 28, 2019

MIT researchers have designed an MRI contrast agent that can detect calcium within neurons, allowing them to closely track brain activity.

New MRI sensor can image activity deep within the brain

Noninvasive measurements of calcium could reveal neurons’ roles in different types of behavior.

February 22, 2019

Students participating in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program include: (clockwise from top left) Veronica Boyce, Nicholas Bonaker, Alexandra Dima, Neeraj Prasad, Elizabeth Weeks, and Alexander Denmark.

Exploring the nature of intelligence

Undergraduate research projects show how students are advancing research in human and artificial intelligence, and applying intelligence tools to other disciplines.

February 21, 2019

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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