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Picower Research & Discoveries
40 Hz vibrations reduce Alzheimer’s pathology, symptoms in mouse models
Tactile stimulation improved motor performance, reduced phosphorylated tau, preserved neurons and synapses and reduced DNA damage, a new study shows
Evidence that non-invasive sensory stimulation of 40 Hz gamma frequency brain rhythms can reduce Alzheimer’s disease pathology and symptoms, already shown with light and sound stimulation by multiple research groups in mice and humans, now extends to tactile stimulation. A new study by MIT scientists shows that Alzheimer’s model mice exposed to 40 Hz vibrations an hour a day for several weeks showed improved brain health and motor function compared to untreated controls. Story continues>>
From molecular to whole-brain scale in a simple animal, study reveals serotonin’s effects
With full genetic control and visibility into neural activity and behavior, MIT scientists map out chemical’s role in behavior
Because serotonin is one of the primary chemicals the brain uses to influence mood and behavior, it is also the most common target of psychiatric drugs. To improve those drugs and to invent better ones, scientists need to know much more about how the molecule affects brain cells and circuits both in health and amid disease. In a new study, researchers at The Picower Institute working in a simple animal model present a comprehensive accounting of how serotonin affects behavior from the scale of individual molecules all the way to the animal’s whole brain. Story continues>>
Without key extracellular protein, neuronal axons break and synaptic connections fall apart
MIT scientists find evidence that a protein common to flies and people is essential for supporting the structure of axons that neurons project to make circuit connections. When those break down, the connections follow suit.
Perhaps the most obvious feature of a neuron is the long branch called an axon that ventures far from the cell body to connect with other neurons or muscles. If that long, thin projection ever seems like it could be vulnerable, a new MIT study shows that its structural integrity may indeed require the support of a surrounding protein called Perlecan. Without that protein in Drosophila fruit flies, researchers at The Picower Institute found axonal segments can break apart during development and the connections, or synapses, that they form end up dying away. Story continues>>
Brain networks encoding memory come together via electric fields, study finds
New research provides evidence that electric fields shared among neurons via “ephaptic coupling” provide the coordination necessary to assemble the multi-region neural ensembles (“engrams”) that represent remembered information.
The “circuit” metaphor of the brain is as indisputable as it is familiar: Neurons forge direct physical connections to create functional networks, for instance to store memories or produce thoughts. But the metaphor is also incomplete. What drives these circuits and networks to come together? New evidence suggests that at least some of this coordination comes from electric fields. Story continues>>
Mind to molecules: Does brain’s electrical encoding of information ‘tune’ sub-cellular structure?
Brain waves carry information. A new “Cytoelectric Coupling” hypothesis posits that fluctuating electric fields optimize brain network efficiency and stability by shaping the brain’s molecular infrastructure.
To produce its many functions, including thought, the brain works at many scales. Information such as goals or images is represented by coordinated electrical activity among networks of neurons, while within and around each neuron a mix of proteins and other chemicals physically carries out the mechanics of participating in the network. A new paper posits that the electrical fields of the network influence the physical configuration of neurons’ sub-cellular components to optimize network stability and efficiency, a hypothesis the authors call “Cytoelectric Coupling.” Story continues>>
Picower People
New award funds study of a remarkable example of neural regeneration
A three-year fellowship will support Brady Weissbourd’s research on how the C. hemisphaerica jellyfish survives and thrives by constantly making new neurons.
The Clytia hemisphaerica jellyfish is not only a hypnotically graceful swimmer, but also an amazing neuron manufacturing machine with a remarkable ability to expand and regenerate its nervous system. With a new fellowship award from the Esther A. & Joseph Klingenstein Fund and the Simons Foundation, MIT Assistant Professor Brady Weissbourd will study how the tiny, transparent animals use this ability to build, organize, and rebuild a stable, functional and robust nervous system throughout their lives. Story continues>>
Congratulations to new Picower PhDs
Five graduate students in Picower Institute labs earned PhDs in mid-to-late spring. Congratulations to them all!
Dr. Indie Garwood, Brown Lab, “Probing the depths of unconsciousness with multifunctional neurotechnology”
Dr. Webster Guan, Chung Lab, “Scalable Subcellular Resolution Mapping of the Human Brain”
Dr. Brennan Jackson, Tsai Lab, “The Impact of Gamma Stimulation on Neurological Phenotypes of Alzheimer's Dementia and Down Syndrome”
Dr. Mitch Murdock, Tsai Lab, “Clearance Systems at Brain Borders"
Dr. Joyce Wang, Bear Lab, “Investigating the role of thalamic activity in visual cortical plasticity”
Dr. Joyce Wang
Dr. Brennan Jackson
Picower postdoc earns Burroughs Wellcome Fund award
Award recognizes Rebecca Pinals’ research to create a nanosensor-integrated brain-on-a-chip model of Alzheimer’s disease
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund June 12 announced that Picower Institute postdoctoral fellow Rebecca Pinals is among nine winners of its prestigious 2023 Career Awards at the Scientific Interface. Pinals is creating a nanosensor-integrated human “brain-on-a-chip” culture of multiple cell types to enable novel studies of neurodegeneration, with a specific focus on Alzheimer’s disease. Story continues>>
Farrah Belizaire earns two awards for DEIJ efforts
Congratulations to Farrah Belizaire, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice program officer in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, and the McGovern Institute for Brain Research! Belizaire's work earned her two MIT recognitions this spring: an MIT School of Science Infinite Mile Award and an MIT Excellence Award!
In the media
Earl Miller spoke to the Wall Street Journal about how the brain can't actually multitask cognitively demanding work no matter how often we tell ourselves otherwise. Meanwhile, his new hypothesis about cytoelectric coupling was covered by IFL Science.
Li-Huei Tsai earned coverage on Alzforum for a new paper she co-authored on the disease's effects on brain vasculature. Her lab's research on 40 Hz vibrations and Alzheimer's earned a nod as the Biomedical Picture of the Day and was covered by Interesting Engineering. IE also covered the serotonin research of the lab of Steve Flavell and the study also caught the attention of BioTechniques.
Recent Events
From labs to the streets, experts work to defuse childhood threats to mental health
Symposium speakers describe numerous ways to promote prevention, resilience, healing and wellness after early life stresses
Threats to lifelong mental health can arise for young children from sources including poverty, abuse or neglect at home and racism, inequity and pollution outside their doors, but the hopeful message that a range of experts brought to MIT May 11 was that amid these many risks, approaches to provide effective protections and remedies are numerous and growing. Story continues>>
Symposium celebrates Mriganka Sur
Scores of friends of Newton Professor Mriganka Sur, ranging from former mentors and lab alumni to current colleagues and trainees, gathered at MIT June 9 for a daylong symposium celebrating his ongoing career, mentorship and leadership. Brain and Cognitive Sciences Department Head Michale Fee spoke for the gathering of Sur's admirers when he introduced the event by describing Sur as "A remarkable leader, a great scientist and a warm and generous colleague."
Upcoming Events
A note about events: Event schedules and details are subject to change. Please check associated links frequently in advance of events that interest you.
Save the date : Oct. 23, 2023
Cutting Edge Approaches to Studying the Aging Brain
Fall Symposium speakers include:
- Peter Dedon, MIT Biological Engineering
- Ann Graybiel, MIT Brain and Cognitive Sciences
- Thomas Heldt, MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (EECS)
- Laura Lewis, MIT EECS and Institute for Medical Engineering & Science
- Maiken Nedergaard, University of Rochester Center for Translational Neuromedicine and Dept of Neurosurgery
- Ritu Raman, MIT Mechanical Engineering
Save the Date: Dec. 11, 2023
The 2023 Picower Lecture with Catherine Dulac, HHMI, Harvard University
Upcoming colloquia and Aging Brain Initiative seminars
- October 12: Colloquium on the Brain and Cognition with David Freedman, University of Chicago More>>
- November 7: Aging Brain Seminar with Julia TCW, Boston University More>>
- November 30: Colloquium on the Brain and Cognition with Jennifer Li & Drew Robson, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics More>>
- December 1: Special Seminar with Orly Reiner, Weizmann Institute of Israel More>>
