A microscope view of several worms wriggling through a red-hued gel
April 20, 2026
How neurons sense bacteria in the gut
Three views of an organoid cell culture show the constiuent cells of the vaguely round, tangled mass of cells.  In the different views the cells are highlighted in different colors such as magenta and green.
April 14, 2026
Rett syndrome study highlights potential for personalized treatments
A video screenshot shows a grayscale worm twisting its body around in a loop to change direction
April 10, 2026
With navigating nematodes, scientists map out how brains implement behaviors
A member of a surgical staff holds a mask on the face of an unconscious patient in an operating room
March 17, 2026
Three anesthesia drugs all have the same effect in the brain, MIT researchers find
Li-Huei Tsai stands at a podium embossed with an MIT logo. In the foreground is an attentive audience. In the background is the Picower Institute logo
March 11, 2026
After 16+ years leading Picower Institute, Li-Huei Tsai will sharpen focus on research, teaching

Scientists identify brain circuit that drives pleasure-inducing behavior

March 22, 2017
Research Findings
Surprisingly, the neurons are located in a brain region thought to be linked with fear.

Unique visual stimulation may be new treatment for Alzheimer’s

December 7, 2016
Research Findings
Noninvasive technique reduces beta amyloid plaques in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.

Li-Huei Tsai receives Society for Neuroscience Mika Salpeter Lifetime Achievement Award

December 2, 2016
Awards
Picower Institute director awarded for her research on brain development, neurological disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Four MIT faculty elected 2016 AAAS Fellows

November 21, 2016
Awards
Green, Ketterle, Nedivi, and Shrobe are among those recognized for their efforts toward advancing science.

Creating new treatments for amblyopia

November 21, 2016
Research Findings
Study finds decreasing activity in the eye can help overcome visual impairment.

Kay Tye Receives the Society for Neuroscience Young Investigator Award

November 15, 2016
Awards
Picower Neuroscientist recognized for her work on emotional circuitry of the brain.

Creating therapies for Alzheimer's disease by targeting neural circuits

November 9, 2016
Research Findings
Study finds a complex series of molecular, cellular, circuit and network-level changes contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's.

Earl Miller receives Goldman-Rakic Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Cognitive Neuroscience

November 1, 2016
Awards
Neuroscientist recognized for his role in modeling brain circuitry as it gives rise to cognition.

A delicate balance between positive and negative emotion

October 17, 2016
Research Findings
Neuroscientists identify two neuron populations that encode happy or fearful memories.

Kwanghun Chung receives NIH New Innovator Award

October 13, 2016
Awards
Award will support the development of technologies that can enable a better understanding of complex biological systems.

Scientists identify neurons devoted to social memory

September 29, 2016
Research Findings
Cells in the hippocampus store memories of acquaintances, a new study reports.

Eight School of Science faculty appointed to named professorships

September 22, 2016
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