The endlessly fascinating science of communicating with those in a persistent vegetative state dominates the front pages today. Doctors have managed to see into some their minds while asking them to think about tennis. (Really.)

There's not much agreement on the story of the day apart from that — the rising cost of healthcare features a couple of times, and Toyota's various missteps are documented in what must be, for the carmaker, agonizing detail

Other interesting and diverting stories:

Disclosure: I freelance write and report for newspapers that are included in this roundup. Where there is a direct conflict of interest I will make it clear.

The New York Times: didn't provide a big front page image today. But they lead with the deaths of US soldiers in Pakistan, continue coverage of Toyota's difficulties and take a look at the Haitian community in New York. There's also news of a new technique for seeing brain activity in severely disabled patients, a look at the Tehran symphony orchestra and an examination of Buckfast Tonic Wine, a Scottish drink that wreaks havoc wherever it is consumed.

The Washington Post: report that there was a Federal enquiry into Toyota's pedals back in 2007 that failed to solve the problem. Across the page they have the news that Google has enlisted the NSA to help stop cyber attacks. Forgive us for not being reassured. There's a piece on the politics of national security, the news about brain scans is here too and there's analysis of the upcoming Iraqi elections.

The LA Times: leads with the soaring cost of healthcare, and has news that the Toyota troubles have spread to the Prius. There's a piece from Iraq, the news about vegetative patients and the best headline of the day for this story from Yemen.

The Wall Street Journal: leads with hopeful news — tech spending is up, which might be a good sign for the economy. They also report on the increasing public cost of healthcare, reveal some typical political hypocrisy on the deficit and analyse England football captain John Terry's indiscretions.

The New York Post: leads with infighting in Albany over a racetrack and casino complex.

The Daily News: found an angelic looking child who was almost suspended for bringing a 2-inch plastic gun to school. He could have killed tiny plastic people, OK?

Winston-Salem Journal: when the Winston-Salem Journal is covering your giant accelerator mistake, you know you have really made a giant accelerator mistake.

Winston-Salem Journal: when the Winston-Salem Journal is covering your giant accelerator mistake, you know you have really made a giant accelerator mistake.

The Times (London): they have Toyotas in Britain too.