Blog Post

Cow Brains: Does Size Matter?

By Laura Tran, C2ST Intern, Rush University

Does size matter? In a sense, the answer is yes.

Domestication is an age-old process in which wild plants and animals are adapted for human use. We raise domestic animals (e.g, horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, dogs, and cats) for food, work, clothing, and companionship. Over time, domesticated animals exhibit a number of behavioral, physiological, and morphological traits¹ that differ from their wild counterparts. This is referred to as the “domestication syndrome” and this process is what led to our cute and cuddly pets today! Animals become friendlier, have smaller jaws and teeth, and even have smaller brains. 

Continue reading “Cow Brains: Does Size Matter?”

Event

Midewin Prairie 101: Part II

*This program can be attended without background on Part I.  The area is so large, we need two sessions to share all its beauty.

What is Midewin (pronounced mi-DAY-win) National Tallgrass Prairie? Learn about the history and geography of this very special place less than an hour from the city.  Join C2ST and longtime Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie volunteers Greg DuBois, Ron Kapala, and Christina L. Sammet, Ph.D., as well as Visitor Information Assistant Laura Lewis as they take us on a virtual journey to explore restored wetlands, prairies, and observe wildlife. While learning why conservation is so important, visit some of the best examples of restored prairie. Register now for Prairie 101 to join the conversation on how Midewin will change and what change means for wildlife and recreation in this two-part summer evening series. 

Continue reading “Midewin Prairie 101: Part II”

Event

Midewin Prairie 101: Part I

What is Midewin (pronounced mi-DAY-win) National Tallgrass Prairie? Learn about the history and geography of this very special place less than an hour from the city.  Join C2ST and longtime Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie volunteers Greg DuBois, Ron Kapala, and Christina L. Sammet, Ph.D., as they take us on a virtual journey to explore restored wetlands, prairies, and observe wildlife. While learning why conservation is so important, visit some of the best examples of restored prairie. Register now for Prairie 101 to join the conversation on how Midewin will change and what change means for wildlife and recreation in this two-part summer evening series. 

Continue reading “Midewin Prairie 101: Part I”

Blog Post

Interview with Dr. Meghan Moran

By Laura Tran, C2ST Intern, Rush University

Dr. Meghan Moran, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Cell & Molecular Medicine at Rush University Medical Center. She has always been interested in bones and how bones come together to make the skeleton. This passion led her to study the interactions between the gut, the gut microbiome, and bones in the context of failing joint implants. She made Halo Cures 40 Under 40 Chicago Scientists in 2019 and continues to conduct her innovative work in orthopedic research. I caught up with Dr. Moran to dive deeper into her story and give us more insight into her research journey. Continue reading “Interview with Dr. Meghan Moran”