The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies, or “BRAIN Initiative,” is a major research program recently announced by the National Institute of Health.
Program Series: Life Science
The Life Science (LS) Series offers events that showcase advances in biology. Topics include how organisms change through time and interact with their environment, animal behavior, the brain, genetics, and technological advances in molecular biology and biotechnology.
Previous LS events have covered gene patenting, the BRAIN Initiative, chimpanzee behavior, dinosaurs, aquatic life, and antibiotic discovery, among other topics.
Distinguished speakers have included Neil Shubin, Ph.D., Professor of Organismal Biology and Anatomy at the University of Chicago, and host of “Your Inner Fish” on PBS; John Maunsell, Ph.D., Alfred D Lasker Professor of Neurobiology at the University of Chicago and the Director of the Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior; and Katherine A. Barsness, M.D. M.S., Director of Surgical Simulation, Director of Surgical Outcomes Research Attending Physician, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Assistant Professor of Surgery Director of Outreach, Center for Education in Medicine, Department of Medical Education Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
It is well-known that there is strong relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and health outcomes. What is behind this association and why does it matter? In this talk, Dr. Tallman will speak about the links between SES and health outcomes and how psychological stress may be a key factor in understanding the SES gradient in health.
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”
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”
