A view of a surgery in progress. Surgeons wearing blue gowns hold a scalpel and scissors just above an opening in the dressing of a patient who is lying on a table. Blurred in the foreground is a tray of other surgical instruments.
September 23, 2024
Research quantifying “nociception” could help improve management of surgical pain
A diagram shows hundreds of dots interconnected by gray lines. Many of the dots show combinations of different colors, denoting which serotonin receptors they express.
September 6, 2024
Better living through brain chemistry
Two panels show the emergence of seizures. Calm, narrow dark blue squiggles representing a tight range of low voltages at various currents explode into vibrant, wide squiggles with warmer colors as current and voltage increases at a broadening range of frequencies.
August 21, 2024
Study assesses seizure risk from stimulating thalamus
Two green-stained cross sections of a mouse brain, one labeled Cuprizone Control and one labeled Cuprizone 40Hz,, are accompanied by insets showing magnifications of parts specific brain regions. The green staining in each inset is greater and brighter in the 40Hz insets vs. the control insets.
August 8, 2024
Study reveals ways in which 40Hz sensory stimulation may preserve brain’s ‘white matter’
Two panels show blue cells on a black background. Some cells have magenta and green speckles. Below, each panel two subpanels show magnified views.
July 24, 2024
Study across multiple brain regions discerns Alzheimer’s vulnerability and resilience factors

Learning the secrets of neural longevity could benefit the aging brain and body alike, research project posits

October 3, 2024
New Research
With a new Glenn Foundation Discovery Award, the Heiman Lab will study the genetic and molecular basis for the exceptional longevity of neurons in hopes of using that insight to help sustain aging cells.

Mixing joy and resolve, event celebrates women in science and addresses persistent inequalities

October 2, 2024
Picower Events
The Kuggie Vallee Distinguished Lectures and Workshops presented inspiring examples of success, even as the event evoked frank discussions of the barriers that still hinder many women scientists.

Research quantifying “nociception” could help improve management of surgical pain

September 23, 2024
Research Findings
New statistical models based on rigorous physiological data from more than 100 surgeries provide objective, accurate measures of “nociception,” the body’s subconscious perception of pain.

Better living through brain chemistry

September 6, 2024
Research Feature
Studying neuromodulators such as serotonin and norepinephrine could help make them better targets for psychiatric or psychedelic drugs

Picower retreats advance science by giving researchers a chance to step back from the lab

September 2, 2024
Picower People
Every year members of The Picower Institute find they can explore new ideas and interactions by experiencing the change of scenery afforded by the Dana and Betty Fisher retreat

Study assesses seizure risk from stimulating thalamus

August 21, 2024
Research Findings
In awake mice, researchers found that even low stimulation currents could sometimes still cause electrographic seizures

Talented high schoolers excel while they explore the brain

August 14, 2024
Picower People
Two teens who spent their summer in Picower Institute labs via MIT outreach programs gained exposure to neuroscience they can carry with them to college

Study reveals ways in which 40Hz sensory stimulation may preserve brain’s ‘white matter’

August 8, 2024
Research Findings
MIT scientists report that gamma frequency light and sound stimulation preserves myelination in mouse models and reveal molecular mechanisms that may underlie the benefit.

Method enables fast, accurate estimates of cardiovascular state to inform blood pressure management

July 25, 2024
Research Findings
A new mathematical method, validated with experimental animal data, provides a fast, reliable and minimally invasive way of determining how to treat critical blood pressure changes during surgery or intensive care.

Study across multiple brain regions discerns Alzheimer’s vulnerability and resilience factors

July 24, 2024
Research Findings
Genomics and lab studies reveal numerous findings, including a key role for Reelin amid neuronal vulnerability, and for choline and antioxidants in sustaining cognition.

HHMI honor will advance Flavell’s studies of how internal brain states arise and affect behavior

July 23, 2024
Picower People
In animals from worms to humans, feelings and drives such as hunger or sleepiness influence behavior. With flexible, long-term support as a newly named HHMI Investigator, Steve Flavell will advance his lab’s studies of exactly how that happens.

Study reveals how an anesthesia drug induces unconsciousness

July 15, 2024
Research Findings
Propofol, a drug commonly used for general anesthesia, derails the brain’s normal balance between stability and excitability.