Disorders

Picower Institute scientists investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying complex disorders of the brain that affect emotion and cognition. To learn more about research in these or other areas, select them under "Research Topics" and you'll find relevant Picower people, discoveries and events.

May 18, 2023

Research Findings

Tactile stimulation improved motor performance, reduced phosphorylated tau, preserved neurons and synapses and reduced DNA damage, a new study shows

April 19, 2023

Research Findings

Neurons that form part of a memory circuit are among the first brain cells to show signs of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease.

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

March 1, 2023

Research Feature

Neuroscientists are finding that immune system activity within the brain and the body has important impacts on mental health and behavior

February 2, 2023

Study reveals key cell structures and gene expression changes near amyloid plaques and tau tangles in mouse brain tissue

January 20, 2023

Research Findings

A new study identifies cells that are the most vulnerable within a brain structure involved in mood and movement

January 2, 2023

Research Findings

‘Single-cell profiling’ is helping neuroscientists see how disease affects major brain cell types and identify common, potentially targetable pathways

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 16, 2022

Research Findings

In people carrying the APOE4 risk variant, a key brain cell type mismanages cholesterol needed to insulate neurons properly—another sign that APOE4 contributes to disease by disrupting lipids in the brain

October 17, 2022

Picower People

Academy recognizes Mark Bear’s influential fundamental research on how experience shapes the brain and its relevance to neurodevelopmental diseases.

40 Hz vibrations reduce Alzheimer’s pathology, symptoms in mouse models

Neuroscientists identify cells especially vulnerable to Alzheimer’s

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

Fluid flow in the brain can be manipulated by sensory stimulation

Immune & Inflamed

Researchers map brain cell changes in Alzheimer’s disease

How Huntington’s disease affects different neurons

New technologies revealing cross-cutting breakdowns in Alzheimer’s disease

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

Research offers insights into mechanisms underlying bipolar mania, sleep homeostasis

Alzheimer’s risk gene undermines insulation of brain’s “wiring”

Bear elected member of National Academy of Medicine