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.
Restoring amputees’ natural functionality with brain-controlled interfaces
MIT student Eeshan Tripathii is working with his sister to engineer an intuitive brain-controlled interface for upper-limb prosthetics.
Some brain disorders exhibit similar circuit malfunctions
Study suggests a common mechanism underlies some behavioral traits seen in autism and schizophrenia.
3 Questions: Anna Jagielska on printing artificial axons
How 3D-printed models of neuronal axons could accelerate development of new therapies to treat neurodegenerative disorders.
As novel sights become familiar, different brain rhythms and neurons take over
As “visual recognition memory” emerges in the visual cortex, one circuit of inhibitory neurons supplants another, and slower neural oscillations prevail.
Four researchers earn interdisciplinary Schmidt Science Fellowships
Selective global honor supports early-career scientists and engineers in taking on new pursuits.
A new technique for correcting disease-causing mutations
Novel method, developed by McGovern Institute researchers, may lead to safer, more efficient gene therapies.
On systemic sources of early life stress, and empathetic responses
At Picower Institute symposium, speakers describe harms of early exposure to trauma, racism, as well as the restorative power of understanding, nurturing, and extending opportunity.
Anesthesia doesn't simply turn off the brain — it changes its rhythms
Simultaneous measurement of neural rhythms and spikes across five brain areas reveals how propofol induces unconsciousness.
Investigating the embattled brain
Combat veteran and PhD candidate Omar Rutledge drives research on post-traumatic stress disorder.
Mice naturally engage in physical distancing, study finds
MIT neuroscientists have identified a brain circuit that stops mice from mating with others that appear to be sick.
Method offers inexpensive imaging at the scale of virus particles
Using an ordinary light microscope, researchers can now obtain images with unprecedented accuracy.
Gene changes linked to severe repetitive behaviors
Graybiel lab identifies genes linked to abnormal repetitive behaviors often seen in models of addiction and schizophrenia.
Basic cell health systems wear down in Huntington’s disease, analysis shows
A new computational approach for analyzing complex datasets shows that as disease progresses, neurons and astrocytes lose the ability to maintain homeostasis.
How the brain helps us remember what we’ve seen
Research finds that as one looks around, mental images bounce between right and left brain as they shift around in our visual system.