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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Decoding hidden dreams

August 30, 2016
Research Findings
Neuroscientists decrypt the sleeping brain to reveal hidden memories.

Kay Tye receives Freedman Prize for Exceptional Basic Research

August 3, 2016
Awards
Neuroscientist recognized by the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation for project on neural circuits for anxiety control.

Imaging the brain at multiple size scales

July 25, 2016
Neurotechnology
New technique can reveal subcellular details and long-range connections.