Event

Bioinformatics: Understanding Our Genes

What the heck is Bioinformatics, anyway? A field of study that combines biology, statistics and computer science, bioinformatics helps us make sense of biological data like DNA and explain how the magic we call life plays out in our tiny cells. Dr. Saurabh Sinha leads a bioinformatics lab and is here to help illuminate its vast potential. Join us to learn more about how Dr. Sinha sees his field advancing and changing the way we think about our DNA. Continue reading “Bioinformatics: Understanding Our Genes”

Blog Post

Gene Defect Turns Rabbit Hops into Acrobatic Handstands

By Diana Abbasi, C2ST Intern, Rush University

Sauteur d’Alfort is French for Alfort’s jumpers but interestingly, the breed of rabbits that carry the name don’t jump at all. Most rabbits push off the ground with both their back legs in order to move quickly, however, these unique rabbits send their back legs sky high and walk on their front paws. Now, researchers have identified the specific gene mutation that leads to this atypical limb movement in these rabbits. 

Continue reading “Gene Defect Turns Rabbit Hops into Acrobatic Handstands”

Blog Post

Now You See It, Now You Don’t: Making Biodegradable Plastics Disappear

By Laura Tran, C2ST Intern, Rush University

Biodegradables won’t solve our plastic crisis. Despite our efforts to recycle, the overall amount of plastic that is recycled is less than 9% in the U.S.¹. Many people do not recycle for several reasons, such as a lack of knowledge for what is recyclable and where to sort it, or they lack access to appropriate and convenient recycling facilities. To combat this issue, today’s biodegradable plastics are advertised as a solution to the world’s increasing plastic pollution problem. However, these materials come with their own challenges.

Continue reading “Now You See It, Now You Don’t: Making Biodegradable Plastics Disappear”

Event

Building Equity: Sustaining BIPOC in STEM

Dr. Ruby Mendenhall and three rising Class of 2021 Seniors, Tolulope Adejuyigbe, Roaa Marei, and Nilah Marshall join C2ST to discuss how non-white STEM students experience racism in college and beyond. Dr. Mendenhall will detail how racial microaggressions affect BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students’ health and sense of belonging in STEM. The students will also serve as guest moderators and hosts. Continue reading “Building Equity: Sustaining BIPOC in STEM”