Your left and right brain hear language differently − a neuroscientist explains how

Left and right brains hear speech differently, yet how this divide forms was unclear − until mouse studies showed each hemisphere runs on its own developmental clock.

Hysell V. Oviedo, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Research, Washington University in St. Louis • conversation
June 4, 2025 ~7 min

Memories of the good parts of using drugs can keep people hooked − altering the neurons that store them could help treat addiction

Your brain processes the pleasure of everyday behaviors like eating and drinking similarly to the pleasure of using drugs. Disentangling them requires understanding how memories are formed.

Ana Clara Bobadilla, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University • conversation
June 4, 2025 ~11 min


Rationale engineering generates a compact new tool for gene therapy

Researchers redesign a compact RNA-guided enzyme from bacteria, making it an efficient editor of human DNA.

Jennifer Michalowski | McGovern Institute for Brain Research • mit
May 28, 2025 ~8 min

Billy Joel has excess fluid in his brain – a neurologist explains what happens when this protective liquid gets out of balance

Cerebrospinal fluid can sometimes leak or collect in the brain without an identifiable cause, leading to symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Danielle Wilhour, Assistant Professor of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
May 28, 2025 ~10 min

Overlooked cells might explain the human brain’s huge storage capacity

MIT researchers developed a new model of memory that includes critical contributions from astrocytes, a class of brain cells.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
May 27, 2025 ~9 min

Forget chatbots: research suggests reading can help combat loneliness and boost the brain

People who read report a deeper understanding of others’ experiences and beliefs.

Christelle Langley, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Cambridge • conversation
May 14, 2025 ~7 min

Daily mindfulness practice reduces anxiety for autistic adults

After six weeks of practicing mindfulness with the help of a smartphone app, adults with autism reported lasting improvements in their well-being.

Jennifer Michalowski | McGovern Institute for Brain Research • mit
May 13, 2025 ~5 min

In Down syndrome mice, 40Hz light and sound improve cognition, neurogenesis, connectivity

New evidence suggests sensory stimulation of gamma-frequency brain rhythm may promote broad-based restorative neurological health response.

David Orenstein | The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory • mit
May 12, 2025 ~8 min


Dopamine signals when a fear can be forgotten

Study shows how a dopamine circuit between two brain regions enables mice to extinguish fear after a peril has passed.

David Orenstein | The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory • mit
May 7, 2025 ~8 min

Novel AI model inspired by neural dynamics from the brain

New type of “state-space model” leverages principles of harmonic oscillators.

Adam Conner-Simons | MIT CSAIL • mit
May 2, 2025 ~4 min

/

78