Carney Institute

News and Events

Photos: Brown Brain Fair makes brain science fun for all

March 15, 2025

Through hands-on experiments, brain-bending games and expert insights, the free, all-ages annual event engages local residents and families in the wonders of neuroscience.

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Science and Technology

Brown hosts National Academy of Engineering symposium on neurotechnology, neural engineering

March 15, 2025

The symposium focused on the ways in which engineering research can be brought to bear in better understanding the nervous system and treating injury and disease.

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Health and Medicine

Brown University researchers show how humans learn to optimize working memory

February 24, 2025

New findings from scientists from the Carney Institute for Brain Science explain memory limits and shed light on dopamine-related disorders such as Parkinson’s, ADHD and schizophrenia.

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Health and Medicine

Researchers discover how opsin 3, a light-sensitive brain protein, regulates food consumption in mice

February 14, 2025

Researchers at Brown University and Cincinnati Children’s found that suppressing opsin 3 in the brain of mice makes them eat less, raising new questions about the mechanisms involved in regulating human metabolism.

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University Initiatives

Philanthropy made it possible: Brown celebrates its most successful fundraising campaign to date

January 28, 2025

Launched publicly in 2015, BrownTogether transformed Brown through a decade of unprecedented support that advanced excellence in teaching and research, financial aid, community impact and more.

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Health and Medicine

How a shared super-resolution microscope propels breakthrough brain research at Brown

December 17, 2024

Researchers at the Carney Institute for Brain Science are taking creative approaches with a super-resolution microscope to advance their neuroscience investigations in different directions.

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Science and Technology

Passages: Nobel Prize winner and Brown professor of physics Leon Cooper

October 28, 2024

The distinguished physicist, who taught at Brown for more than five decades and was awarded the 1972 Nobel Prize in Physics for developing the theory of superconductivity, died on Oct. 23.

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Health and Medicine

Putting pressure on mini-brains helps to model compression injuries

October 16, 2024

A research team led by Diane Hoffman-Kim, an associate professor of neuroscience and engineering at Brown, found a way to use cortical spheroids to study a type of brain injury that develops over time.

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Health and Medicine

People navigate social networks same way they navigate transportation networks: by studying maps

September 24, 2024

A study by cognitive scientists at Brown University’s Carney Institute for Brain Science deciphered how the human brain represents the complex social connections among acquaintances, friends, and friends of friends.

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Health and Medicine

Brown unveils design for signature life sciences research facility in Providence

September 12, 2024

Renderings for Danoff Laboratories show a state-of-the-art facility for integrated research ranging from molecular-level science, to biotech innovations, to patient therapies and interventions.

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News and Events

Brown names William A. and Ami Kuan Danoff Life Sciences Laboratories in recognition of generous gift

September 12, 2024

A planned state-of-the-art facility for integrated life sciences research, Danoff Laboratories in Providence’s Jewelry District will convene scientists to solve complex, interconnected health and medical challenges.

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Health and Medicine

‘ScanFest’ sessions teach students the ins and outs of using an MRI machine for research

April 18, 2024

As part of a class taught by Brown neuroscientist David Badre, undergraduates embrace the rare opportunity to conduct experiments and engage in research with state-of-the-art MRI technology.

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News and Events

Photos: Brown Brain Fair sparks curiosity and wonder in local kids, families

March 16, 2024

The brainy bash brought the Brown and Providence communities together for a day of learning and fun with brain science games, exhibits and discussions.

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Health and Medicine

Lack of focus doesn’t equal lack of intelligence — it’s proof of an intricate brain

March 8, 2024

A study by neuroscientists at Brown University’s Carney Institute for Brain Science illustrates how parts of the brain need to work together to focus on important information while filtering out distractions.

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Health and Medicine

Marvel at the mysteries of the human brain at the Brown Brain Fair on March 16

March 1, 2024

Free and open to the public, the annual family-friendly event invites Rhode Islanders to learn about brain science through interactive stations, creative art projects, lively games and engaging lighting talks.

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Health and Medicine

Hannah Doyle: Studying brains in the lab and showing brawn in the ring

December 13, 2023

The Brown neuroscience Ph.D. student and competitive boxer researches how the brain processes combinations — like the ones she practices at the gym — to better understand cognitive disorders.

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News and Events

Journalist Kate Zernike speaks at Brown on 21st century gender discrimination in the sciences

October 19, 2023

Zernike, who wrote “The Exceptions” about women faculty and the fight for fairness at MIT, talked with Brown community members about the challenges facing women in science — and what can be done.

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Health and Medicine

One vial at a time, researchers at Brown analyze the mysteries of Alzheimer’s

August 15, 2023

In a new fluid biomarkers laboratory at Brown’s Carney Institute for Brain Science, researchers study blood samples for biological signals of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, expanding the possibilities of brain research.

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Science and Technology

New tool explains how AI ‘sees’ images and why it might mistake an astronaut for a shovel

June 28, 2023

A team of Brown brain and computer scientists developed a new approach to understanding computer vision, which can be used to help create better, safer and more robust artificial intelligence systems.

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Health and Medicine

Mind-body practice of qigong can improve cancer-related fatigue

May 24, 2023

A study led by Brown University researchers found that a low-impact, meditative movement program involving qigong was as effective as more standard exercise programs in improving cancer-related fatigue.

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Science and Technology

Scientists from Brown show local K-12 students the beauty of the brain

March 20, 2023

Brown students and faculty were among the Brain Week Rhode Island volunteers who brought plastic brains, interactive activities and lots of neuroscience knowledge to schools around the state.

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News and Events

Photos: Brown Brain Fair makes brain science fun for all

March 18, 2023

As part of Brain Week Rhode Island, local families joined Brown University researchers and students for a full day of learning and fun.

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News and Events

Explore the wonders of the human brain at the Brown Brain Fair on March 18

March 7, 2023

As part of Brain Week Rhode Island, the Brown Brain Fair will offer kids and adults alike the chance to learn about brain research through interactive stations, art projects, games and lightning talks.

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Science and Technology

Brown scholars put their heads together to decode the neuroscience behind ChatGPT

February 9, 2023

The Carney Institute for Brain Science brought together faculty who study different aspects of artificial intelligence to discuss what it has in common with human intelligence, and its implications for society.

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Science and Technology

Study offers neurological explanation for how brains bias partisans against new information

February 1, 2023

People who share a political ideology have more similar ‘neural fingerprints’ of political words and process new information in similar ways, according to a new analysis led by Brown University researchers.

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Health and Medicine

Clinical trials show encouraging safety profile for brain-computer interface turning thoughts into action

January 13, 2023

In an important step toward a medical technology that could help restore independence of people with paralysis, researchers find the investigational BrainGate neural interface system has low rates of associated adverse events.

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Health and Medicine

Families affected by rare disorder convene at Brown to learn about, and catalyze, latest research

October 26, 2022

Every two years, a unique gathering connects patients and family members contending with an autism-like condition called Christianson syndrome with brain scientists working to develop therapies and solutions.

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Health and Medicine

Researchers discover how a brain area implicated in Alzheimer’s may be vulnerable to degeneration

September 1, 2022

In a finding that could inform therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, a team of Brown University neuroscientists reports on a mechanism of degeneration for the locus coeruleus region of the brain.

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Science and Technology

Using new technique, researchers make surprising discoveries about how flies’ brains respond to tastes

August 22, 2022

The study is an example of how brain imaging technology — in this case developed by researchers at Brown University — can be adapted to advance knowledge of brain processes and prompt new questions about behavior.

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Health and Medicine

Researchers discover brain pathway that helps to explain light’s effect on mood

July 6, 2022

Improved understanding of a neural pathway connecting light-sensitive cells in the retina with the cortical brain regions involved in mood and cognition has implications for the development of treatments for mood disorders.

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Science and Technology

Brain practices new tasks while people sleep, study finds

June 29, 2022

A new study associated with the BrainGate consortium offered significant clues about how humans learn and form long-term memories; the findings could provide insights for developers of assistive tools for people with paralysis.

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Health and Medicine

Brown plans new integrated life sciences building in Providence’s Jewelry District

June 28, 2022

The Brown Corporation authorized a process to select an architect and launch a full programming phase for the building, a critical step in a long-held vision to create new laboratory space for cutting-edge life sciences research.

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Science and Technology

Researchers highlight more equitable way to analyze DNA data from understudied groups

May 4, 2022

New methods of analyzing DNA will allow for a better understanding of how genetic conditions affect different populations, ultimately enabling more targeted treatments.

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Science and Technology

Seen and ‘herd’: Collective motion in crowds is largely determined by participants’ field of vision

March 21, 2022

Researchers at Brown University developed a new model to predict human flocking behavior based on optics and other sensory data.

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Health and Medicine

Brown researcher to lead $16M grant to explore potential cause, treatment for Alzheimer’s disease

March 10, 2022

Led by principal investigator John Sedivy, a multi-university effort will build on recent discoveries about mechanisms of aging to understand causes and potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

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Brown professor wins CERF Medical Engineering Prize for ‘Braingate+SoftRobotics’ project

February 8, 2022

Dr. Leigh Hochberg is part of an award-winning team that is combining soft robotic devices with brain-computer interface technology to help people with ALS.

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Science and Technology

To research addiction, Brown senior Eve Glenn is combining empathy with cutting-edge brain science

January 25, 2022

After witnessing challenges faced by childhood friends, Glenn is researching the neurobiological underpinnings of alcohol and substance abuse disorders with the goal of enabling more effective treatments.

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Science and Technology

Researchers identify brain signals associated with OCD symptoms, paving way for adaptive treatment

December 9, 2021

The discovery of electrical signals in the brain associated with OCD could enable an emerging type of adaptive deep brain stimulation therapy as an improved treatment.

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Science and Technology

Brown scientist wins NIH innovator award to illuminate undetected brain activity

October 5, 2021

A five-year, $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health will support Ahmed Abdelfattah’s research to shed light on brain activity, which could ultimately benefit patients facing a range of disorders.

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Science and Technology

NIH awards Brown $10.8M to expand data-informed research to fight human disease

September 29, 2021

The COBRE Center for Computational Biology of Human Disease is advancing the use of computational tools among biomedical scientists at Brown, helping them unlock new insights that could ultimately benefit patients.

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Health and Medicine

Novel cellular mechanism sheds light on causes of childhood developmental disorder

September 22, 2021

New findings from a Brown research team about Christianson syndrome could eventually be used to inform therapeutic interventions for that disorder as well as for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

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Science and Technology

Researchers take step toward next-generation brain-computer interface system

August 12, 2021

A new kind of neural interface system that coordinates the activity of hundreds of tiny brain sensors could one day deepen understanding of the brain and lead to new medical therapies.

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Social Sciences

To advance human rights, consult neuroscience

August 5, 2021

Scholars at Brown found that brain science bolsters long-held notions that people thrive when they enjoy basic human rights such as agency, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

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Science and Technology

Computational brain science summer program at Brown opens up a world of science

August 3, 2021

Through a nine-week program organized by the Carney Institute for Brain Science, undergraduates from multiple universities learn the building blocks of computational brain science, a growing and increasingly important field.

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Health and Medicine

Brown to fund four biomedical technologies with potential for patient benefit, commercial viability

July 6, 2021

Now in its third funding cycle, Brown Biomedical Innovations to Impact will award four faculty projects to accelerate promising medical solutions into commercial technologies.

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Science and Technology

New algorithm could help enable next-generation deep brain stimulation devices

June 1, 2021

Brown University researchers have developed a technique that could allow deep brain stimulation devices to sense activity in the brain and adjust stimulation accordingly.

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Social Sciences

Politically polarized brains share an intolerance of uncertainty

May 13, 2021

A new study on political polarization led by a Brown University team showed how an aversion to uncertainty is often associated with black-and-white political views.

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Health and Medicine

Brain-computer interface creates text on screen by decoding brain signals associated with handwriting

May 12, 2021

Using a brain-computer interface, a clinical trial participant was able to create text on a computer at a rate of 90 characters per minute just by thinking about the movements involved in writing by hand.

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Health and Medicine

With $30 million in support, Brown launches Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research

April 28, 2021

By bringing together biomedical research and discovery with world-class physician-scientists advancing care for patients with Alzheimer’s, the center aims to accelerate the pace of development for novel treatments and cures.

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Science and Technology

How Brown neuroscientists are using CRISPR to accelerate brain research — and more

April 22, 2021

Brown University neuroscientist Kate O’Connor-Giles discusses how the revolutionary gene editing technology can help reveal secrets of the brain’s function and role in disease.

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