Gloria Choi smiles as she sits on a sofa in her office. The background. with flowers on a table. is blurred.
April 2, 2025
Gloria Choi earns Samsung Ho-Am Prize for Medicine
A black and white image shows sections of neural dendrites which appear as long thin lines with many small bumps along them.
February 20, 2025
Study suggests new molecular strategy for treating fragile X syndrome
White blocks are arranged in a circle on a blue background. Black arrows on the blocks follow the direction of the circle (clockwise). At three points along the circle, yellow blocks intercede with arrows pointing outward from the circle of white blocks.
February 18, 2025
Even after learning the right idea, humans and animals still seem to test other approaches, study suggests
A saggital cross section of a mouse brain is richly stained in three distinct colors in three distinct areas: yellow in the very front and about halfway toward the back; green in a large area toward the front and cyan across wide areas, especially the cerebellum in the back
January 24, 2025
MIT method enables ultrafast protein labeling of tens of millions of densely packed cells in organ-scale tissues
Emery N. Brown stands in front of a wall. Superimposed on the image next to him is a picture of the front of the National Medal of Science, which depicts a man kneeling and drawing an abstract character in the ground next to him as he contemplates an object.
January 3, 2025
Emery N. Brown, innovative neuroscientist, statistician and anesthesiologist earns National Medal of Science

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.