Hormones help regulate various body processes such as growth, metabolism, mood, and reproduction. We can think of our body’s endocrine system as one that acts like a communication hub where hormones are used as messengers! Certain chemicals, which can be natural or human-made, can play tricks by either mimicking hormones, blocking them, or interfering with their production or breakdown; We call these sneaky trickster chemicals endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs can be found in things we use every day like certain plastics, pesticides, and some products like cosmetics or cleaning agents. In short, we are exposed to EDCs through the air, water, or food we consume. What are the potential effects of subjection to these disruptors, even in small amounts? What health concerns should we be looking out for as a result of exposure? Join C2ST and Dr. Jodi Flaws to learn more about the impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on reproductive health and more!

Join us as The Geographic Society of Chicago (GSC) , Friends of Big Marsh, and the Chicago Park District host a day of fun at the Park District’s 297-acre property on the southeast side of Chicago is commonly known as the Calumet Area Reserve.

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How real are the dinosaurs in Jurassic World? Find out and ask your own questions at our Speakeasy on June 21st!

Ever since the 1993 classic Jurassic Park and its subsequent sequels were unleashed into the world, the series has ushered in a new generation of public fascination into prehistoric Earth and inspired a new generation of paleontologists from all over the world. But has the Jurassic Park series been able to keep up with the latest paleontological discoveries, or is the series facing extinction in light of new dinosaur science? Is it possible to tease the paleo-science from paleo-fiction? What is in the realm of possibility or merely speculation concerning these enigmatic, extinct creatures? Join paleontologist Dr. Eric Gorscak in Science Spoilers: Jurassic World as he discusses the evolving science witnessed in both the field of paleontology and in the blockbuster Jurassic Park movie series from the past 30 years.

What’s the word, bird? As we reboot our Science in the Parks series, we are excited to partner with the Chicago Audubon Society, Chicago Ornithological Society, Wild Indigo, and–of course–the Chicago Park District to bring birding to West Pullman Park! Whether you’re a first-time birder looking to get outside, or a seasoned veteran of the birding circuit, this program should be a blast! Our partners are providing expert guides to take you through West Pullman Park’s impressive natural oak savanna, helping teach you about animals you may find in your own backyard. Read more…

Join C2ST and Dr. Steven Kessel for our monthly Science and Sandwiches Program! On the first Friday of every month, we will be sitting down with an expert during the lunch hour to chat about life, about science, careers, a day on the job, and whatever else you’re interested in learning about them–within reason, anyways. Read more…

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. Read more…