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Science Can Help Revive US Manufacturing

By Robert J. Kriss, C2ST Editor

Many people think of science as a process for inventing things in a laboratory. But science need not stop at the laboratory door. The scientific method can also be used to develop economically competitive processes for manufacturing inventions on a commercial scale. “Smarter” manufacturing processes are key to the success of US manufacturing in the twenty-first century.   Continue reading “Science Can Help Revive US Manufacturing”

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Science Debate 2020

By C2ST Staff

A non-partisan coalition of national and Illinois science policy organizations prepared a questionnaire for all Illinois Congressional candidates asking them to state their proposals for dealing with the pandemic, climate change, energy, environment, and other pressing issues of public concern.

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Blog Post

Time To Get Smart—A Window Into The Future

Comment by Robert J. Kriss, C2ST Editor

Scientists at the U.S Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, Northwestern University, University of Chicago, and University of Wisconsin are collaborating to develop customizable, “smart,” and energy-efficient windows for office buildings and residences. These windows, custom designed for particular geographic locations, contain transparent solar cells to generate electricity. Other layers of transparent materials in the window control how much of the light spectrum will pass through the window to heat and illuminate the interior and how much will be used to generate electricity. A mathematical model has been developed to determine for a specific location, based on, among other things, the angle of sunlight and other weather parameters, which materials should be used and in which geometric configuration to reduce energy consumption while providing adequate illumination. The design will be different for Chicago than for Miami, for example.  

 

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Resources for Science from the Frontlines: Engineering at the Service of Humanity

By C2ST Staff & Dean Rashid Bashir

We hope you enjoyed Science from the Frontlines: Engineering at the Service of Humanity! Check out these resources from our speaker, Dean Bashir, to learn more about the Grainger College of Engineering’s response to COVID-19 and their other initiatives.

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Unity in Curiosity

By C2ST Staff

The last few months have been challenging for Chicagoans, Americans, and citizens of the world. Now would usually be the time for many of us to head out to the beach, meet with friends, and enjoy some well earned R&R. Summer is a great time for outdoor science events, like our Urban Nature Walk. While we may not get the summer we planned for, that doesn’t mean we can’t figure out new ways to have fun in the sun. 

 

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