Two stacked electron microscope images show a synapse. Above a small, river-like gap is a dark T shape among many tiny bubble-like circles. In the bottom image the T shape is much bigger than in the upper image.
October 14, 2025
Neural activity helps circuit connections mature into optimal signal transmitters
The almond shape of the amygdala is composed of cells stained red (on the left) and green (on the right).
September 29, 2025
Many Mechanisms of Mood
A closeup on two relay racers as they hand off a blue baton from one runner to the other.
September 22, 2025
How the brain splits up vision without you even noticing
A 3D cartoon closeup of various brain cells on a pink background as they float around amid spherical clumps of amyloid proteins.
September 10, 2025
Study explains how a rare gene variant contributes to Alzheimer’s disease
On a blue background there is a white line-art drawing of a brain overlaid on a horizontal-running DNA double helix.
September 2, 2025
Alzheimer’s erodes brain cells’ control of gene expression, undermining function, cognition

Are covid ‘comas’ signs of a protective hibernation state?

November 7, 2022
Research Findings
Scientists hypothesize that, as in a hibernating turtle, the brain under sedation and deprived of oxygen may assume a protective state

Bear elected member of National Academy of Medicine

October 17, 2022
Picower People
Academy recognizes Mark Bear’s influential fundamental research on how experience shapes the brain and its relevance to neurodevelopmental diseases.

Building a bridge between neuroscience and immunology

October 14, 2022
Picower People
Gloria Choi’s studies of how the immune system and nervous system influence each other could yield new approaches to treating neurological disorders.

Symposium examines intersecting biology of neurodegeneration, Down syndrome

October 11, 2022
Recent Events
Cross-cutting examples of disease pathology, cellular breakdowns highlight joint conference of MIT’s Aging Brain Initiative and Alana Down Syndrome Center

A “golden era” to study the brain

October 4, 2022
Picower People
“We can’t think of the brain only as neurons,” says PhD student Mitch Murdock, who explores the cellular basis of Alzheimer’s disease

To the clinic!

October 4, 2022
Research Feature
When fundamental research yields discoveries with medical potential, Picower Institute professors find ways to test whether they’ll help patients.

Providing new pathways for neuroscience research and education

September 29, 2022
Picower People
Payton Dupuis finds new scientific interests and career opportunities through MIT summer research program in biology.

With fractured genomes, Alzheimer’s neurons call for help

September 28, 2022
Research Findings
Study indicates that ailing neurons may instigate an inflammatory response from the brain’s microglia immune cells

Celebrating 20 years of discovery, Picower Institute looks ahead to continuing impact

September 28, 2022
Recent Events
At an exhibition marking two decades since a transformative gift from The Picower Foundation, current and alumni members described research at the forefront of neuroscience and beyond

Simple animal model reveals how environment and state are integrated to control behavior

September 6, 2022
Research Findings
A new study shows how stimuli and states such as smells, stressors and satiety converge in an olfactory neuron to guide food-seeking behavior

How the brain focuses on what’s in mind

September 5, 2022
Research Findings
When holding information in mind, neural activity is more focused when and where there are bursts of gamma frequency rhythms

Microscopy technique reveals hidden nanostructures in cells and tissues

August 29, 2022
Research Findings
Separating densely packed molecules before imaging allows them to become visible for the first time