Research quantifying “nociception” could help improve management of surgical pain

New statistical models based on rigorous physiological data from more than 100 surgeries provide objective, accurate measures of “nociception,” the body’s subconscious perception of pain.

The degree to which a surgical patient’s subconscious processing of pain, or “nociception,” is properly managed by their anesthesiologist will directly affect the degree of post-operative drug side effects they’ll experience and the need for further pain management they’ll require. But pain is a subjective feeling to measure, even when patients are awake, much less when they are unconscious. In a new study, researchers describe a set of statistical models that objectively quantified nociception during surgery. Ultimately, they hope to help anesthesiologists optimize drug dose and minimize post-operative pain and side effects. Story continues>>

The way sensory prediction changes under anesthesia tells us how conscious cognition works

New study adds evidence that consciousness requires communication between sensory and cognitive regions of the brain’s cortex

Our brains constantly work to make predictions about what’s going on around us, for instance to ensure that we can attend to and consider the unexpected. A new study examines how this works during consciousness and also breaks down under general anesthesia. The results add evidence for the idea that conscious thought requires synchronized communication—mediated by brain rhythms in specific frequency bands—between basic sensory and higher-order cognitive regions of the brain. Story continues>>

Learning the secrets of neural longevity could benefit the aging brain and body alike, research project posits

With a new Glenn Foundation Discovery Award, the Heiman Lab will study the genetic and molecular basis for the exceptional longevity of neurons in hopes of using that insight to help sustain aging cells.

Neurons in the brain can live for more than 90 years, making them exceptional examples of longevity among cells, but scientists know little about how neurons achieve that long lifespan. With a new Glenn Foundation Discovery Award, Myriam Heiman, John and Dorothy Wilson Associate Professor of Neuroscience, and her lab plan a research project that will expand on preliminary work aimed at discovering the genetic and molecular basis of neural longevity. Story continues>>

Affiliate Laura Lewis earns postdoctoral mentoring award

Lewis is one of two MIT faculty members to earn commendation for providing exceptional individualized mentoring for postdocs.

The MIT Postdoctoral Association has honored Laura Lewis, Athinoula A. Martinos associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science and an affiliate member of The Picower Institute, with its Award for Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring. The award is given annually to faculty or other principal investigators whose current and former postdoctoral scholars say they stand out in their efforts to create a supportive work environment for postdocs and support postdocs’ professional development. Story continues>>

Nature (above) wrote about the latest research on 40Hz sensory stimulation led by the lab of Li-Huei Tsai. Meanwhile, Science quoted Tsai in a feature story about the APOE4 Alzheimer's risk gene.

LiveScience included Earl Miller's insights in a story about working memory, and Hoodline wrote about his new findings on consciousness. FTD in the News covered a recent study co-led by Myriam Heiman in which she found important overlaps between ALS and FTLD. And Tsai lab researcher Ravi Raju, who is also a pediatrician at Boston Children's Hospital, published an op-ed about the importance of mentorship for vulnerable youth in the Bay State Banner.

Mixing joy and resolve, event celebrates women in science and addresses persistent inequalities

The Kuggie Vallee Distinguished Lectures and Workshops presented inspiring examples of success, even as the event evoked frank discussions of the barriers that still hinder many women scientists

For two days at The Picower Institute, participants in the Kuggie Vallee Distinguished Lectures and Workshops celebrated the success of women in science and shared strategies to persist through, or better yet dissipate, the stiff headwinds women still face in the field. Story continues>>

A note about events: Event schedules and details are subject to change. Please check associated links frequently in advance of events that interest you.

Brain and Cognitive Sciences colloquia

• Feb. 27, Li-Huei Tsai,  The Picower Institute at MIT
• April 17, Ivan Soltesz, Stanford University
• May 8, Joni Wallis, UC Berkeley

All colloquia begin at 4 p.m. in Singleton Auditorium, MIT Building 46

Aging Brain Initiative Seminars

• Jan. 21, Andrew Yoo, Washington University
• Feb. 24, Ronald DePinho, MD Anderson

Seminars begin at 4 p.m. in the Picower Seminar Room, MIT Building 46

Special Seminar

Feb. 28, Nako Nakatsuka, EPFL at 4 p.m. in the Picower Seminar Room, MIT Building 46.