A single protein in brain cells may act as a linchpin in the body's weight-regulating system. The finding by U-M researchers gives scientists an important target for future research and the development of anti-obesity medications.

Exhaustive studies by U-M researchers find that while men are doing more housework than they used to, women still spend more than three times as many hours doing chores as men (25 hours a week, versus 7 for men). Even among children, boys spending about 30 percent less time on chores than girls, and twice as much time playing.

As energy use becomes ever more entangled with the economy, the environment, and national security, U-M researchers are creating technologies that promise to transform twenty-first century energy. Read about their work on transportation, nuclear power, and more.

A robotic exoskeleton controlled by the wearer's own nervous system could someday help users regain limb function, say U-M researchers. The robotic ankle fits over a user's leg and makes walking easier. Though not available to patients, the device may lead to breakthrough machines for those whose nervous systems have been impaired by strokes, injuries or other problems. See cool video of the device here.

A new U-M study shows that children who get high levels of intellectual stimulation at home, such as books and educational games, had parents who rarely used physical punishment.

U-M creative writing prof Peter Ho Davies' new novel, "The Welsh Girl," is a story of love, patriotism and identity set during World War Two. Davies brilliantly describes the wrenching decisions people must make when war changes the world they thought they knew. Listen here to an excerpt from the novel, read by Davies.

Just 29 years old, Randy Napoleon has been called by singer Michael Buble "the most exciting jazz guitarist of our generation." The former U-M student has performed with some of jazz's great bands, and last fall he released an album of his own, "Between Friends." You can listen to his song "Face the Truth " here. [Photo: Sarah Sloboda]

February is black history month, as it has been for more than 30 years. What has changed in that time, and do this month's celebrations still matter? In this podcast, U-M education professor Percy Bates talks about the importance of understanding every part of the nation's shared history.