Consciousness transfer, the hypothetical process of moving a human mind to a digital medium, has been a cornerstone of science fiction movies and books for decades. But as AI advances, questions about whether human consciousness could be transferred to a machine have moved from science fiction to serious academic debate. The human brain is widely […]
On June 9, the McGovern Institute convened leaders in science, biotechnology, and patient advocacy for RareNet 2026, a first-of-its-kind symposium aimed at dismantling the barriers between laboratory discovery and life-changing treatments for rare brain disorders. Over 300 million people worldwide live with rare disorders—most affecting the brain and nervous system. Yet the vast majority lack […]
Chronic pain is a widespread and complex condition that affects nearly one-quarter of the US population. Despite its prevalence, chronic pain is often undertreated, leading many people to depend on addictive medications such as opioids. Our researchers are creating detailed maps of the neural circuits involved in pain perception as well as the emotional suffering […]
As people age, many cognitive functions tend to decline. Brain scanning studies have revealed corresponding changes in the function of a brain network that is involved in many of these cognitive functions, including working memory and problem-solving. When it comes to language skills, however, the picture is different. Unless impaired by a stroke or dementia, […]
Shannon Knight attributes her interest in neuroscience to an experience she had in high school. She and her sister attended a medical day for students at the nearby University of Illinois Chicago. As they were on their way out of the event, they walked past a room with a person holding a brain. “We stopped […]
Within the brain, neurons compute by generating electrical impulses. These signals travel throughout neurons, which are in turn connected in vast networks that control brain functions such as sensory perception, memory formation, and control of movement. In an advance that could help neuroscientists map those neural networks, leading to a better understanding of how neural […]
The McGovern Institute hosts activities focused on building communication, grant-writing, and job-market skills for trainees at all career stages. These activities are spearheaded by McGovern Institute Scientific Advisor Jill Crittenden, who draws on her years of experience as an MIT research scientist to mentor predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees, guiding them through grant writing, public speaking, […]
The McGovern Institute aims to engage people of all ages and backgrounds—from middle-school students to federal policymakers—through a mix of hands-on programs, mentoring, and public events. Leading our outreach efforts is our Scientific Advisor Jill Crittenden, who draws on her years of experience as a neuroscientist to mentor students of all ages. Prior to overseeing […]
A functional nervous system depends on the cooperation of many kinds of cells. So as developing organisms build their nervous systems, their neurons must take on different forms and functions to fulfill their designated roles. That carefully orchestrated process gives rise to thousands of different cell types in the human brain. In the tiny worm […]
