In the News
The brain adapts to the environment in part by persistently modifying and rearranging the diverse synaptic connections between neurons. These changes include strengthening or weakening existing links, as well as formi... more
Thirteen MIT faculty members are among 220 leaders from academia, business, public affairs, the humanities and the arts elected as new members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Academy announced today.... more
MIT neuroscientists have shown that an enzyme overproduced in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients creates a blockade that shuts off genes necessary to form new memories. ... more
Distracted driving is dangerous, sure, but distractions at work, home, or anywhere can have disastrous effects. If you are worried that spending all day answering text messages and opening e-mails is making you dumber, ... more
Most cases of autism are not caused by a single genetic mutation. However, several disorders with autism-like symptoms, including the rare Fragile X syndrome, can be traced to a specific mutation. Several years ago, MIT ... more
MIT neuroscientists show that a gene linked with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder impairs early brain development. In recent years, scientists have discovered several genetic mutations associated with greater risk of p... more
For decades, scientists have dreamed of building computer systems that could replicate the human brain’s talent for learning new tasks.... more
In the last decade scientists have launched several large-scale clinical trials for what were considered promising new drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease. But as of yet there is nothing on the market that halts or even... more
The IOM announced the names of 65 new members and five foreign associates today in conjunction with its 41st annual meeting. Election to the IOM is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medici... more
The human brain is adept at recognizing similar items and placing them into categories — for example, dog versus cat, or chair versus table. In a new study, MIT neuroscientists have identified the brain activity that a... more
