Massachusetts Institute of Technology · EngineeringAnikeeva Neurotechnology Lab
Polina O Anikeeva · Cambridge, Massachusetts
Research Focus
Dr. Polina O. Anikeeva's lab at MIT specializes in using innovative technologies to explore how the brain communicates with the body's peripheral organs, particularly focusing on the gut. By combining nanomagnetic materials with viral tools, the lab aims to develop new ways to manipulate specific neurons remotely to gain insights into mood, motivation, and stress. This research could lead to new treatments for neurological and psychological disorders by understanding gut-brain interactions.
nanomagneticsviral vectorsgut-brain axisneuron modulationbrain-body circuitsremote manipulationbiological transducersmood regulationneurological therapies
Research Aims
5AIM 01Develop a framework for remote modulation of peripheral neurons.
AIM 02Explore the link between enteric neuron activity and midbrain pathways.
AIM 03Test how gut signals influence behavior and mood.
AIM 04Create hybrid tools using nanomaterials and viral vectors.
AIM 05Investigate potential therapies for neurological conditions.
Skills the Lab Values
nanomaterial synthesisviral vector designcell cultureelectrophysiologyimaging techniquesPCRmouse modelsmagnetic manipulationbehavioral assays
Output against the department
Publications153bottom 38% of dept.172nd of 278
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations13ktop 30% of dept.83rd of 278
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.