How nature organizes itself, from brain cells to ecosystems

McGovern Institute researchers develop a mathematical model to help define how modularity occurs in the brain — and across nature.

McGovern Institute for Brain Research • mit
March 10, 2025 ~5 min

‘Midlife window’ could be key for preventing brain decline

New research offers insights into when interventions to prevent cognitive decline might be most effective.

Gregory Filiano-Stony Brook • futurity
March 6, 2025 ~8 min


Childhood brain cancer drug shows promise in mice

New findings could lead to more effective, less toxic treatments, improving survival and quality of life for young patients.

Emory University • futurity
March 6, 2025 ~7 min

Study suggests new molecular strategy for treating fragile X syndrome

Enhancing activity of a specific component of neurons’ “NMDA” receptors normalized protein synthesis, neural activity, and seizure susceptibility in the hippocampus of fragile X lab mice.

David Orenstein | The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory • mit
March 4, 2025 ~7 min

Seeing more in expansion microscopy

New methods light up lipid membranes and let researchers see sets of proteins inside cells with high resolution.

Jennifer Michalowski | McGovern Institute for Brain Research • mit
March 3, 2025 ~10 min

An ancient RNA-guided system could simplify delivery of gene editing therapies

The programmable proteins are compact, modular, and can be directed to modify DNA in human cells.

Jennifer Michalowski | McGovern Institute for Brain Research • mit
Feb. 27, 2025 ~7 min

Adversity can lead to delayed brain development in teens

"...early adverse experiences not only predict and impact mental health such as depression and anxiety, but also affect brain development."

Beck Lockwood-Sheffield • futurity
Feb. 24, 2025 ~8 min

Study: Even after learning the right idea, humans and animals still seem to test other approaches

New research adds evidence that learning a successful strategy for approaching a task doesn’t prevent further exploration, even if doing so reduces performance.

David Orenstein | The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory • mit
Feb. 21, 2025 ~6 min


Traumatic brain injuries have toxic effects that last weeks after initial impact − an antioxidant material reduces this damage in mice

Addressing the harmful chemical processes that accompany blunt force trauma to the brain can reduce the risk of long-term disability.

Aaron Priester, Postdoctoral Fellow in Materials Science and Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology • conversation
Feb. 19, 2025 ~9 min

Parents can soon use QR codes to reveal heavy metal content in baby food

A quick scan with a smartphone or an online search can identify foods with lower levels of these toxic substances.

C. Michael White, Distinguished Professor of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut • conversation
Feb. 14, 2025 ~10 min

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