Brain and cognitive sciences

Study: Rhythmic interactions between cortical layers underlie working memory

MIT neuroscientists suggest a model for how we gain volitional control of what we hold in our minds.

January 15, 2018

The image shows the locus coeruleus, which drives neuronal circuits of the hippocampus and enables novel contextual memory. The red staining shows norepinephrine transporter (NET)-positive cells, indicating the locus coeruleus. The green staining shows adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated expressions of light-sensitive inhibitory opsin, archaerhodopsin (Arch). The blue staining shows all cells in...

How the brain selectively remembers new places

Neuroscientists identify a circuit that helps the brain record memories of new locations.

December 25, 2017

Using a novel analytical method they have developed, MIT researchers analyzed raw brain activity data (B). The spectrogram shows decreased noise and increased frequency resolution, or contrast (E and F) compared to standard spectral analysis methods (C and D).

Recalculating time

A novel algorithm enables statistical analysis of time series data.

December 21, 2017

As part of an investigation into the nature of humans' physical intuitions, MIT researchers trained a neural network to predict how unstably stacked blocks would respond to the force of gravity.

Computer systems predict objects’ responses to physical forces

Results may help explain how humans do the same thing.

December 13, 2017

A new study from MIT researchers provides evidence for an alternative timekeeping system that relies on the neurons responsible for producing a specific action. Depending on the time interval required, these neurons compress or stretch out the steps they take to generate the behavior at a specific time.

How the brain keeps time

Neuroscientists discover networks of neurons that stretch or compress their activity to control timing.

December 4, 2017

Marshall Scholars from left to right: Olivia Zhao, Nick Schwartz, Liang Zhou

Three MIT seniors awarded 2018 Marshall Scholarships

Nick Schwartz, Olivia Zhao, and Liang Zhou will pursue graduate studies in the United Kingdom.

December 4, 2017

To evaluate infants’ intuition regarding what other people value, researchers showed them videos in which an agent (red bouncing ball) decides whether it’s worth the effort to leap over an obstacle to reach a goal (blue cartoon character).

How badly do you want something? Babies can tell

Ten-month-old infants determine the value of a goal from how hard someone works to achieve it.

November 23, 2017

MIT neuroscientists have discovered that making decisions, especially when choosing between two options that have both positive and negative elements, can be dramatically affected by chronic stress.

Stress can lead to risky decisions

Neuroscientists find chronic stress skews decisions toward higher-risk options.

November 16, 2017

MIT researchers have devised a way to control single neurons using optogenetics. To help achieve this, they developed an opsin, or light-sensitive protein, that can be targeted to neuron cell bodies (bottom row). Neurons in the top row have traditional opsins that are distributed throughout their axons.

Next-generation optogenetic molecules control single neurons

Focused laser beam could help scientists map connections among neurons that underlie behavior.

November 13, 2017

In searching for a potential therapeutic for autism spectrum disorder, researchers have found that R-Baclofen reverses cognitive deficits and improves social interactions in two lines of 16p11.2 deletion mice.

Promise seen in possible treatment for autism spectrum disorder

Studies in mice show improved social interaction and cognition from a potential therapeutic for a syndrome that often results in autism.

October 31, 2017

A nutrient mix based in part on research from the lab of MIT Professor Emeritus Richard Wurtman has shown promise in treating the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

MIT research laid groundwork for promising Alzheimer’s-fighting drink

Studies by Richard Wurtman have led to development of nutrient mix shown to slow cognitive impairment in early stages of the disease.

October 30, 2017

A new “REPAIR” system edits RNA, rather than DNA.

Researchers engineer CRISPR to edit single RNA letters in human cells

“REPAIR” system edits RNA, rather than DNA; has potential to treat diseases without permanently affecting the genome.

October 25, 2017

The 2017 MassJAS biological and environmental sciences presenters practiced communication skills and vied for the opportunity to become delegates at the AJAS annual meeting.

Department of Biology hosts 2017 Massachusetts Junior Academy of Science Symposium

High school students present research projects to build communication skills while earning membership to the American Junior Academy of Science.

October 24, 2017

The green staining shows hippocampal CA1 engram cells, which store a long-term fear memory and have the light sensitive optogenetic protein channelrhodopsin-2. The blue staining shows all cells in the dorsal hippocampus brain region, including non-engram cells (blue color staining only).

MIT neuroscientists build case for new theory of memory formation

Existence of “silent engrams” suggests that existing models of memory formation should be revised.

October 23, 2017

“What’s really cool about eye tracking is it lets you see things that you’re not consciously aware of,” Professor Josh Tenenbaum says. “When psychologists and philosophers have proposed the idea of counterfactual simulation, they haven’t necessarily meant that you do this consciously. It’s something going on behind the surface, and eye tracking is able to reveal that.”

How we determine who’s to blame

Before assigning responsibility, our minds simulate alternative outcomes, study shows.

October 17, 2017

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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