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

Study offers an explanation for why the APOE4 gene enhances Alzheimer’s risk

March 3, 2021
Research Findings
The gene variant disrupts lipid metabolism, but in cell experiments the effects were reversed by choline supplements

Basic cell health systems wear down in Huntington’s disease, novel analysis shows

February 23, 2021
Research Findings
A new computational approach for analyzing complex datasets shows that as disease progresses, neurons and astrocytes lose the ability to maintain homeostasis

Steven Flavell earns Sloan Research Fellowship

February 16, 2021
Picower People
Award supports fundamental research on how the brain generates internal states that guide animal behavior

As you look around, mental images bounce between right and left brain

February 8, 2021
Research Findings
New study explains how the brain helps us remember what we’ve seen, even as it shifts around in our visual system

Picower Institute joins international declaration on equity and inclusion in brain science

January 12, 2021
Picower People
The ALBA Declaration outlines steps to overcome two sets of factors that contribute to a lack of equity: implicit bias and workplace culture

Neuroscientists identify brain circuit that encodes timing of events

January 11, 2021
Research Findings
Findings suggest this hippocampal circuit helps us to maintain our timeline of memories.

Scientists seek insight into Parkinson’s, addiction by tracking gene expression in the brain

January 4, 2021
New Research
Two MIT Brain and Cognitive Sciences faculty members earn funding from the G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Foundation

Playing chess, not checkers: Neurons dynamically control their myelin patterns

December 18, 2020
Research Findings
Researchers identify a new level of complexity in how the brain responds to stimuli

Genes & Disease

December 14, 2020
Research Feature
Picower scientists are making the dauntingly long but highly motivating climb between associating a gene with disease and developing potential treatments.

‘SCOUT’ helps researchers find, quantify significant differences among organoids

December 8, 2020
Research Findings
Unbiased, high-throughput analysis pipeline improves utility of ‘minibrains’ for understanding development and diseases such as Zika infection

Cortex over reflex: Study traces circuits where executive control overcomes instinct

November 30, 2020
Research Findings
Anterior cingulate cortex overrides reflexive inclination of the superior colliculus when rules reqiure

Brain waves guide us in spotlighting surprises

November 23, 2020
Research Findings
The brain uses different frequency rhythms and cortical layers to suppress expected stimulation and increase activity for what’s novel