AI SummaryScientists from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, and The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have created a molecular atlas of human brain vasculature and its changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) across six brain regions. The researchers characterized over 22,514 vascular cells from different… Continue reading Atlas of human brain blood vessels highlights changes in Alzheimer’s disease
Tag: Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience
PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint pathway regulates hippocampal neuronal excitability and learning and memory behavior
In this study, Zhao et al. report that the PD-L1/PD-1 axis in hippocampal excitatory neurons regulates neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and learning/memory. Blockade of PD-L1 or PD-1 is a new strategy to improve learning and memory in health and disease.
Magnetic robots walk, crawl, and swim
AI SummaryMIT scientists have developed tiny, soft-bodied robots that can be controlled with a weak magnet. The robots, made of rubbery magnetic spirals, can walk, crawl, swim, and have potential applications in biomedical fields. The robots are magnetized in different zones and directions, allowing a single magnetic field to enable different movements. Press Mentions This… Continue reading Magnetic robots walk, crawl, and swim
From labs to the streets, experts work to defuse childhood threats to mental health
AI SummaryThreats to child mental health, such as poverty, abuse, and pollution, were discussed by experts at a symposium at MIT, who stressed the importance of science and research in addressing these issues. The speakers highlighted various mechanisms that connect early life experiences to mental health problems, as well as interventions and programs aimed at… Continue reading From labs to the streets, experts work to defuse childhood threats to mental health
40 Hz vibrations reduce Alzheimer’s pathology, symptoms in mouse models
AI SummaryEvidence from a new study conducted by MIT scientists demonstrates that noninvasive tactile stimulation at a frequency of 40 Hz can improve brain health and motor function in mice models of Alzheimer’s disease, while also reducing levels of phosphorylated tau protein, preventing neuron death, and reducing neural DNA damage. The study suggests that tactile… Continue reading 40 Hz vibrations reduce Alzheimer’s pathology, symptoms in mouse models
From molecular to whole-brain scale in a simple animal, study reveals serotonin’s effects
AI SummaryResearchers at The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT have conducted a comprehensive study on how serotonin affects behavior in the nematode worm C. elegans, which has similarities to the human brain. The study provides insights into the role of serotonin receptors and their complex interactions in controlling behavior, which could enhance… Continue reading From molecular to whole-brain scale in a simple animal, study reveals serotonin’s effects
3 Questions: A new model of nervous system form, function, and evolution
How does animal behavior emerge from networks of connected neurons? How are these incredible nervous systems and behaviors actually generated by evolution? Are there principles shared by all nervous systems or is evolution constantly innovating? What did the first nervous system look like that gave rise to the incredible diversity of life that we see… Continue reading 3 Questions: A new model of nervous system form, function, and evolution
3 Questions: Sara Prescott on the brain-body connection
AI SummarySara Prescott, a faculty member in the Department of Biology at MIT, is researching the interoceptive nervous system and its role in detecting and responding to stimuli in the body. Her focus is on the mammalian airway and how neural pathways affect respiratory function and overall health. The goal of her research is to… Continue reading 3 Questions: Sara Prescott on the brain-body connection
Scientists discover anatomical changes in the brains of the newly sighted
AI SummaryRecent research from MIT Professor Pawan Sinha reveals that there is a longer window of brain plasticity for visual tasks than previously believed, as older children with congenital cataracts can learn visual skills such as recognizing faces and distinguishing objects from a background after their sight is restored through surgery. The researchers have also… Continue reading Scientists discover anatomical changes in the brains of the newly sighted
Studying consciousness without affecting it
Studies of consciousness often run into a common conundrum of science — it’s hard to measure a system without the measurement affecting the system. Researchers assessing consciousness, for instance as volunteers receive anesthesia, typically use spoken commands to see if subjects can still respond, but that sound might keep them awake longer or wake them… Continue reading Studying consciousness without affecting it