Research Topics

As this gallery of featured people and projects illustrates, Picower Institute scientists study brain structure and function at scales from genes and molecules to cells, circuits and regions. They also study the behaviors and cognitive processes that result, and seek to uncover how disruptions at different scales can result in developmental, psychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders. They employ—and often invent—the newest technologies in their work. To learn more about any of these specific areas, click "Research Topics" above, select areas of interest, and you'll find relevant Picower people, discoveries and events.

A Ray of Hope in the Fight Against Alzheimer's Disease

November 16, 2017
Interview

Improved Social Interaction and Cognition in Mouse Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder

October 26, 2017
Research Findings
Studies in mice show promise for human treatment of 16p11.2 deletion syndrome

MIT neuroscientists build case for new theory of memory formation

October 23, 2017
Research Findings
Existence of “silent engrams” suggests that existing models of memory formation should be revised.

Cellular reprograming implicated in model of Alzheimer's disease

October 17, 2017
Research Findings
Neuroscientists identify genetic changes in microglia in a mouse model of neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's disease.

Brain waves reflect different types of learning

October 11, 2017
Research Findings
For the first time, researchers have identified neural signatures of explicit and implicit learning.

Kay Tye receives NIH Pioneer Award

October 5, 2017
Awards
The award will be used to map the neural circuitry of social interactions and develop a mathematical model for complex group behaviors.

How we recall the past

August 17, 2017
Research Findings
Neuroscientists discover a brain circuit dedicated to retrieving memories.

Blocking a key enzyme may reverse memory loss

August 8, 2017
Research Findings
MIT study suggests a new approach to developing treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

New tool offers snapshots of neuron activity

June 26, 2017
Neurotechnology
FLARE technique can reveal which cells respond during different tasks.

A noninvasive method for deep brain stimulation

June 1, 2017
Research Findings
Electrodes placed on the scalp could help patients with brain diseases.

Brain circuit enables split-second decisions when cues conflict

April 24, 2017
Research Findings
New findings shed light on how we quickly assess risks and rewards before acting.

Neuroscientists identify brain circuit necessary for memory formation

April 6, 2017
Research Findings
New findings challenge standard model of memory consolidation.