A microscope system, a complicated assemblage of optical, electronic and other equiptment built in several levels atop a metal table, is shielded around its side by dark paneling and copper colored screening.
August 7, 2025
MIT imaging tech promises deepest looks yet into living brain tissue at single-cell resolution
Two square images side by side show arcs of thousands of densely-packed brain cells stained in cyan. On the left the arc is uninterrupted but on the right the arc features a dark wedge of no cyan staining.
July 22, 2025
Study finds key role for non-neural brain cells in processing vision
a closeup of a baby with beautiful blue eyes that seem a bit cross-eyed
July 1, 2025
Connect or reject: Extensive rewiring builds binocular vision in the brain
Six portraits across two rows: Joe Coughlin, Giovanni Traverso, Pattie Maes across the top and Bin Zhang, Laura Kiessling and Ed Boyden along the bottom.
June 9, 2025
Aging Brain Initiative seed grants fund five new projects to address neurodegenerative disease
Against a dark blue background we see two sine waves shifted out of phase with eachother
May 12, 2025
Different anesthetics, same result: unconsciousness by shifting brainwave phase

MIT imaging tech promises deepest looks yet into living brain tissue at single-cell resolution

August 7, 2025
Research Findings
By combining several cutting-edge imaging technologies, a new microscope system could enable unprecedentedly deep and precise visualization of metabolic and neuronal activity, potentially even in humans.

Study finds key role for non-neural brain cells in processing vision

July 22, 2025
Research Findings
MIT researchers employed a novel application of tools and analysis to show that astrocytes ensure neural information processing by maintaining ambient levels of the neurotransmitter chemical GABA.

When life supplies motivation to do research, a summer at Picower can provide the experience

July 21, 2025
Picower People
For undergraduates around the country who are interested in studying neuroscience but don't have enough opportunities at their home institutions, Picower Institute labs can provide a way to do cutting edge research and gain exposure to a possible future i

Connect or reject: Extensive rewiring builds binocular vision in the brain

July 1, 2025
Research Findings
A first-of-its-kind study in mice reveals that neurons add and shed synapses at a frenzied pace during development to integrate visual signals from the two eyes.

As textbook’s 5th edition hits shelves, Bear reflects on introducing many 1,000s of students to neuroscience

June 18, 2025
Picower People
With an emphasis on approachability, “Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain” enters its fourth decade as the text of undergraduate neuroscience classes worldwide

Autism advances

June 16, 2025
Research Feature
Rooted in fundamental curiosity about how the brain works, Picower scientists continue to break new ground in understanding autism and devising treatment strategies

Aging Brain Initiative seed grants fund five new projects to address neurodegenerative disease

June 9, 2025
New Research
Campuswide collaboration sparks new research to develop assistive technology, enhance interventions, decipher brain biochemistry, advance big data analysis, and assess the public’s understanding of dementia risk and protective factors.

The how and why of the brain’s division across hemispheres

May 12, 2025
Research Findings
Why does the brain split visual spatial perception between its hemispheres? A new review examines the advantages and trade-offs, and how the brain ultimately makes vision feel seamless.

Different anesthetics, same result: unconsciousness by shifting brainwave phase

May 12, 2025
Research Findings
MIT study finds that an easily measurable brain wave shift may be a universal marker of unconsciousness under anesthesia

Dopamine signals when a fear can be forgotten

April 28, 2025
Research Findings
Study shows how a dopamine circuit between two brain regions enables mice to extinguish fear after a peril has passed.

In Down syndrome mice, 40Hz light and sound improve cognition, neurogenesis, connectivity

April 24, 2025
Research Findngs
Study provides new evidence that sensory stimulation of gamma-frequency brain rhythm may promote broad-based restorative neurological health response.

MIT Down syndrome researchers work on ways to ensure a healthy lifespan

April 24, 2025
Picower Events
An Alana Down Syndrome Center webinar, co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, presented numerous MIT studies that all share the goal of improving health throughout life for people with trisomy 21.