At the Broad Institute, MIT and Harvard’s collaborative genomics research center, scientists have been sharing their works with all comers. Last week’s “”https://www.broadinstitute.org/events/publicevent/1468">Midsummer Night’s Science" series drew a full house of graduate students, professors and non-scientists interested in hearing about the genetics of heart disease.

So, Sekar Kathiresan had to tailor his talk to a mixed audience.

“MI is short for myocardial Infarction, which is the medical term for a heart attack,” he explained.

Then Kathiresan gradually ratcheted up the technical level as he went on to describe his lab’s effort to identify SNPs linked to heart disease. The scientists’ work, which revealed several promising genetic links to both heart attack risk and low LDL, is about to be published in Nature. (So, we won’t give you the details.)

The crowd seemed up to the talk, with many asking questions about how the research might lead to new treatments. (Answer – that will take a while.) And, as they filed out for a reception, younger scientists gathered around Kathiresan with more technical question.

But, don’t just go for the science and carrot cake. (The talk is followed by cheese, fruit and dessert spread .) The reception takes place in what Broad calls the “”https://www.broadinstitute.org/outreach/dnatrium/dnatrium">DNAtrium." Located in the glass-walled lobby in the middle of Kendall Square, the atrium includes a multi-screen, interactive exhibit about the Broad’s work. It’s a bit hyper-trade showish, but worth a look.

This week’s final talk starts at 6 pm Wednesday.Steve Haggarty will talk on "Keeping your brain plastic "

Your brain is a highly “plastic” organ capable of remarkable feats of adaptation. Intricate processes that allow the brain to adapt are essential for maintaining our mental health. Steve Haggarty will discuss how advances in areas of genetics, chemistry, and neuroscience are providing insights into the molecular nature of brain plasticity, and how this information could be used to develop new ways to treat memory and mood disorders.