New Research Sheds Light On Placebo Effect (broadcast Friday, August 3rd, 2007)

The placebo effect --when a sham medication actually produces a real medical effect in a patient -- is one of the more intriguing phenomena in medical science. But what actually happens in the brain when you take a placebo? In this segment, Ira talks with a researcher using brain imaging studies to try to track down the root of the placebo effect. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests

Tor Wager
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
Columbia University
New York, New York

Related Links

• The Healing Power of Placebos
• WNYC - Radio Lab: Placebo (May 18, 2007)
• Scientists See How Placebo Effect Eases Pain: Scientific American

Segment produced by:Anne Marie Cunningham

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