Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Neurons that can multitask greatly enhance the brain's computational power, study finds

Over the past few decades, neuroscientists have made much progress in mapping the brain by deciphering the functions of individual neurons that perform very specific tasks, such as recognizing the location ...

Neuroscience created May 20, 2013 | popularity 4.9 / 5 (12) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Study IDs key protein for cell death, offers way to kill cancer cells by forcing them into programmed-death pathway

When cells suffer too much DNA damage, they are usually forced to undergo programmed cell death, or apoptosis. However, cancer cells often ignore these signals, flourishing even after chemotherapy drugs have ...

Genetics created May 14, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (9) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Evaluating a new way to open clogged arteries

Over the past few decades, scientists have developed many devices that can reopen clogged arteries, including angioplasty balloons and metallic stents. While generally effective, each of these treatments ...

Cardiology created May 21, 2013 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (6) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Decoding 'noisy' language in daily life: Study shows how people rationally interpret linguistic input

Suppose you hear someone say, "The man gave the ice cream the child." Does that sentence seem plausible? Or do you assume it is missing a word? Such as: "The man gave the ice cream to the child."

Psychology & Psychiatry created Apr 29, 2013 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (4) | comments 7 | with audio podcast

Study finds health insurance helps lower-income Americans avoid depression, diabetes, major financial shocks

Enrollment in Medicaid helps lower-income Americans overcome depression, get proper treatment for diabetes, and avoid catastrophic medical bills, but does not appear to reduce the prevalence of diabetes, high blood pressure ...

Health created May 03, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast