Description
The immune system never ceases to change – it must stay one step ahead of the next disease outbreak or else. When a disease evolves even slightly, our immune system needs to adapt to match this change. As such, we have variation in our immune genes that is vastly out of proportion to the variation in our other genes. Continue reading “C2ST Speakeasy: “Genes and Germs: The Battle that Defines Us” with Dr. Sean McConnell”
People exist because plants exist. From medicine to shelter to inspiration, plants of all kinds have shaped the human experience. This C2ST Speakeasy will provide examples of herbs, cacti, and trees that are the backbone to our pharmaceuticals, rituals, and world, and why we need to protect them. With species going extinct every day, humans have to get creative about conservation. Continue reading “C2ST Speakeasy: “Plants: how we use ’em, and how we don’t lose ’em” with Jessica B. Turner”
How far are we technologically from having imaging platforms such as the ones depicted in science fiction TV shows and movies? Will Doctors be able to use advanced imaging to get an immediate snapshot of our body and assess our physical condition and therapeutic requirements in real time? Continue reading “C2ST Speakeasy: “Biomedical Imaging and Personalized Medicine” with Dr. Daniel Procissi”
“Vandals of the Void: Damaging Meteors from Chelyabinsk to Chicago” with William S. Higgins
Two years ago, a window-shattering shock wave injured 1400 Russians, and startled the world, as a small asteroid hit Chelyabinsk. Violent meteors are rare, but they can be devastating—and meteors have assaulted Chicagoland at least twice. Continue reading “C2ST Speakeasy: “Vandals of the Void: Damaging Meteors from Chelyabinsk to Chicago” with William S. Higgins”
Most of the research done on human biology comes from WEIRD populations – Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic – but these populations do not always represent the full diversity of human variation. Continue reading “C2ST Speakeasy: “Thinking outside the WEIRD: Variability in Human Biology” with Dr. Aaron Miller”
The Chicago Council on Science and Technology is kicking off a new initiative: C2ST Speakeasy. This series of programs will bring you the same high-quality scientists as always, but in the comfort of your favorite bar. Enjoy a drink in a casual setting, while learning about science from the experts.
Continue reading “C2ST Speakeasy: “The Sex Life of Reptiles” with Dr. Angela Hung”