Six panels show circular arrangements of each individual cell type in a miBrain culture, stained in cyan. The cell types are Pericytes, Astrocytes, Endothelial Cells, Neurons, Oligodendroglia, and Microglia
October 17, 2025
MIT invents human brain model with six major cell types to enable personalized disease research, drug discovery
An array of six panels shows different views of a long, thin, spiny structure that closely resembles a bumpy twig. Each is stained bright green and the degree of bumpiness varies along each one.
October 16, 2025
Study finds circular RNA helps drive brain development
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

Postdocs earn interdisciplinary Schmidt Science Fellowships

June 3, 2021
Picower People
Selective global honor supports researchers in new scientific pursuits

Speakers describe systemic sources of, prescribe empathic responses to, early life stress

May 17, 2021
Recent Events
At symposium, science and stories converge on harms of early exposure to trauma, racism but also restorative power of understanding, nurturing, and extending opportunity

Picower Institute faculty commit to reducing post-pandemic air travel

May 12, 2021
Picower People
Climate action aims to drive down estimated greenhouse gas emissions to no more than half of pre-pandemic levels

In ‘minibrains,’ hindering key enzyme by different amounts has opposite growth effects

May 10, 2021
Research Findings
Surprising findings can help improve organoid cultures, explain role of GSK3-beta in brain development

New algorithms show accuracy, reliability in gauging unconsciousness under general anesthesia

May 6, 2021
Research Findings
Machine learning software advances could help anesthesiologists optimize drug dose

Anesthesia doesn't simply turn off the brain, it changes its rhythms

April 27, 2021
Research Findings
Simultaneous measurement of neural rhythms and spikes across five brain areas in animals reveals how propofol induces unconsciousness

Li-Huei Tsai elected to American Academy of Arts & Sciences

April 22, 2021
Picower People
AAAS honors professor whose lab focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease and developing innovative treatment strategies

Tiny brains grown in 3D-printed bioreactor

April 7, 2021
Research Findings
Small device contains wells to let small bits of tissue grow, develop, and be studied in real time

Mice naturally engage in physical distancing, study finds

March 31, 2021
Research Findings
MIT neuroscientists have identified a brain circuit that stops mice from mating with others that appear to be sick

Study of synapse strength focuses on ‘active zones’

March 16, 2021
New Research
With new NIH grant, team will learn how neurons build key sites that release neurotransmitters a lot, or a little, to drive nervous system communication

Bigger than a Building

March 10, 2021
Picower People
Our first ever census of alumni and former research staff shows a thriving community that spans the globe and many different roles

Neural networks need more than neurons, new project posits

March 4, 2021
New Research
With a new grant from the U.S. Army, a team of scientists will seek to enhance artificial intelligence by integrating brain cells called astrocytes