Study decodes surprising approach mice take in learning
In a simple game that humans typically ace, mice learn the winning strategy, too, but refuse to commit to it, new research shows.
How an archeological approach can help leverage biased data in AI to improve medicine
Although computer scientists may initially treat data bias and error as a nuisance, researchers argue it’s a hidden treasure trove for reflecting societal values.
MIT engineers design more powerful RNA vaccines
The new approach could lead to intranasal vaccines for Covid-19 and other respiratory diseases.
Molecule reduces inflammation in Alzheimer’s models
A potential new Alzheimer’s drug represses the harmful inflammatory response of the brain’s immune cells, reducing disease pathology, preserving neurons, and improving cognition in preclinical tests.
Study connects neural gene expression differences to functional distinctions
Researchers compared a pair of superficially similar motor neurons in fruit flies to examine how their differing use of the same genome produced distinctions in form and function.
Cracking the code that relates brain and behavior in a simple animal
MIT researchers model and create an atlas for how neurons of the worm C. elegans encode its behaviors, make findings available on their “WormWideWeb.”
AI models are powerful, but are they biologically plausible?
A new study bridging neuroscience and machine learning offers insights into the potential role of astrocytes in the human brain.
Study explains how part of the nucleolus evolved
A single protein can self-assemble to build the scaffold for a biomolecular condensate that makes up a key nucleolar compartment.
Study finds a surprising new role for a major immune regulator
In addition to turning on genes involved in cell defense, the STING protein also acts as an ion channel, allowing it to control a wide variety of immune responses.
Study finds tracking brain waves could reduce post-op complications
Distinctive EEG patterns indicate when a patient’s state of unconsciousness under general anesthesia is more profound than necessary.
How Tau tangles form in the brain
A new study shows that truncated versions of the Tau protein are more likely to form the sticky filaments seen in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists pinpoint where thousands of individual proteins are made in intact tissue and single cells
A new technology called RIBOmap can give researchers valuable insight into how protein production in animal and human tissue is altered in disease.
Without a key extracellular protein, neuronal axons break and synaptic connections fall apart
Scientists find a protein common to flies and people is essential for supporting the structure of axons that neurons project to make circuit connections.
Unraveling connections between the brain and gut
MIT engineers’ new technology can probe the neural circuits that influence hunger, mood, and a variety of diseases.
MIT engineers develop a soft, printable, metal-free electrode
A new Jell-O-like material could replace metals as electrical interfaces for pacemakers, cochlear implants, and other electronic implants.