Cognition and Motivation

Picower Institute scientists study behaviors and cognitive processes including learning, memory, emotion, reasoning and consciousness. To learn more about these or other areas of inquiry, select them under Research Topics and you'll find relevant Picower people, discoveries and events.

May 22, 2023

Research Findings

Brain waves carry information. A new “Cytoelectric Coupling” hypothesis posits that fluctuating electric fields optimize brain network efficiency and stability by shaping the brain’s molecular infrastructure.

May 15, 2023

Research Findings

With full genetic control and visibility into neural activity and behavior, MIT scientists map out chemical’s role in behavior

April 12, 2023

Research Findings

The peptide blocks a hyperactive brain enzyme that contributes to the neurodegeneration seen in Alzheimer’s and other diseases.

April 10, 2023

Research Findings

Blood flow induced by visual stimulation drives the flow of cerebrospinal fluid

April 6, 2023

Research Findings

A new study tests an alternative to external stimulation for measuring when subjects lose and regain responsiveness during sedation and anesthesia.

March 15, 2023

Research Findings

Brain applies rhythms to physical patches of the cortex to selectively control just the right neurons at the right times to do the right things.

March 10, 2023

Research Findings

When astrocyte function is disrupted, neurons in the brain’s motor cortex struggle to execute and refine motion, a new study in mice shows.

December 29, 2022

Research Findings

Comparing models of working memory with real-world data, MIT researchers found that information resides not in persistent neural activity, but in the pattern of their connections

December 1, 2022

Research Findings

MIT researchers report early stage clinical study results of tests with non-invasive 40Hz light and sound treatment

November 23, 2022

Recent Events

At a press conference at Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, young Picower scientist Takato Honda presented findings of key neurons involved in the neuropsychiatric disorder and sleep homeostasis

November 14, 2022

Recent Events

At Neuroscience 2022, Emery N. Brown relayed how statistical analysis of brain rhythms in patients and animals under anesthetics has revealed important information about how the drugs work.

November 7, 2022

Research Findings

Scientists hypothesize that, as in a hibernating turtle, the brain under sedation and deprived of oxygen may assume a protective state

Mind to molecules: Does brain’s electrical encoding of information ‘tune’ sub-cellular structure?

From molecular to whole-brain scale in a simple animal, study reveals serotonin’s effects

A new peptide may hold potential as an Alzheimer’s treatment

Fluid flow in the brain can be manipulated by sensory stimulation

Studying consciousness without affecting it

‘Spatial Computing’ enables flexible working memory

Astrocyte cells critical for learning skilled movements

Holding information in mind may mean storing it among synapses

Small studies of 40Hz sensory stimulation confirm safety, suggest Alzheimer’s benefits

Research offers insights into mechanisms underlying bipolar mania, sleep homeostasis

Analyzing brain waves demystifies general anesthesia

Are covid ‘comas’ signs of a protective hibernation state?