Research Topics | Picower Institute

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.

August 10, 2020

Research Findings

Theoretical framework shows that many properties of neural connections help biological circuits produce consistent computations

August 3, 2020

Research Findings

A new statistical model may help scientists understand how animals make inferences about whether their surroundings are novel or haven’t changed enough to be a new context

July 17, 2020

Research Findings

Unique survey of gene expression by cell type in humans and mice reveals several deficits affecting the most vulnerable neurons

June 30, 2020

Research Findings

Among study’s many surprises may be a new way to address Fragile X syndrome – by finding a “Protein X”

June 25, 2020

News Feature

An inside look at a key paper illustrates what it can take to publish new knowledge

June 8, 2020

Research Findings

MIT researchers pinpoint mechanism and demonstrate drugs could help

May 20, 2020

Research Findings

Drug compound, tested in mice, could be effective in treating the leading heritable cause of intellectual disability and autism

May 18, 2020

Research Findings

Reactivating an enzyme that promotes DNA repair can help to reverse age-related cognitive decline in mice.

May 6, 2020

Research Findings

The protein Synaptotagmin 7 limits supply of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles for release at synapses

April 6, 2020

Research Findings

Neurons that store abstract representations of past experiences are activated when a new, similar event takes place

March 13, 2020

Research Feature

Research on how the brain processes sight has told neuroscientists much about how the brain works more broadly

January 30, 2020

Research findings

Neuroscientists identify genes that modulate the disease’s toxic effects