Picower Institute

Sometimes items can easily be grouped by their appearance, such as these apples, but sometimes the brain must use a different mode of thought to find a more abstract similarity, such as that between a drill and screwdriver.

Study: Distinct brain rhythms and regions help us reason about categories

High-frequency gamma oscillations sort similar-looking objects; lower-frequency beta oscillations kick in when connections are more abstract.

January 25, 2018

Various 3-D views of the basolateral amygdala show the arrangement of neurons that project to the nucleus accumbens (green), the hippocampus (blue), or the central amygdala (red).

Lifting the veil on "valence," brain study reveals roots of desire and dislike

Researchers map the amygdala's distinct but diverse and dynamic neighborhoods where feelings are assigned.

January 23, 2018

School of Science Infinite Kilometer Awards for 2017

Eight research staffers and postdocs are recognized for their extraordinary contributions and dedication to programs, colleagues, and the Institute.

January 16, 2018

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

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

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

Microglia, the brain's immune cells, scavenge the brain for repairs and to remove potential infectious agents.

Cellular reprograming implicated in model of Alzheimer's disease

Neuroscientists identify genetic changes in microglia in a mouse model of neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's disease.

October 12, 2017

Brain waves reflect different types of learning

For the first time, researchers have identified neural signatures of explicit and implicit learning.

October 11, 2017

2017 Science Slam participants, host, and judges: (l-r) Xin Tang, Karthik Shekhar, Sudha Kumari, Deniz Atabay, Monika Avello, Sahin Naqvi, Emilie Marcus, Emma Kowal, Vivian Siegel, Ari Daniel, Ellen Clegg, and Nicole Aponte.

Department of Biology hosts its first Science Slam

Eight biology trainees had just three minutes to explain their research and earn favor with the judges and audience in new yearly event.

October 5, 2017

Ten from MIT and the Broad Institute recently received NIH Director's Awards. Top row (l-r): Feng Zhang, Kay Tye, Kevin Esvelt, Fei Chen; Bottom row (l-r): Gabriela Schlau-Cohen, Ahmed Badran, Hilary Finucane, Ed Boyden. Not pictured: Paul Blainey and Evan Macosko.

Ten researchers from MIT and Broad receive NIH Director’s Awards

Awards support high-risk, high-impact biomedical research.

October 5, 2017

MIT neuroscientists have shown, for the first time, that recalling a memory requires a “detour” circuit that branches off from the original memory circuit. This low-magnification image shows that hippocampal CA1 neurons (red) and dorsal subiculum neurons (green) can be genetically identified using two different protein markers.

How we recall the past

Neuroscientists discover a brain circuit dedicated to retrieving memories.

August 17, 2017

MIT researchers have demonstrated a new way to reverse memory loss by blocking an enzyme known as HDAC2.

Blocking a key enzyme may reverse memory loss

MIT study suggests a new approach to developing treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

August 8, 2017

Researchers have developed a way to label neurons when they become active, essentially providing a snapshot of their activity at a moment in time.

New tool offers snapshots of neuron activity

FLARE technique can reveal which cells respond during different tasks.

June 26, 2017

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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