Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024
by Bill Carroll Science in Space , Science of the Outdoors
On April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse will sweep across North America, from Mexico to the Maine-Canadian border. For those who experienced the spectacular solar eclipse of 2017, this one will be similar, crossing the United States from west to east and passing through or near several major metropolitan areas. And while its path is quite different this time, Carbondale, Illinois, a reasonable destination for Chicago-area residents, will once again be on the line of totality.
Just a little background on eclipses: Lunar and solar eclipses are not uncommon – they each occur about twice a year when the moon is crossing the ecliptic, the path of the sun in the sky.
“Our Once and Future Wetlands: My Experience as The Artist-In-Residence with The Wetlands Initiative”
by Lindsay Olson Uncategorized
Science Art exists on a continuum. At one end of the spectrum is scientific illustration. This is art in […]
The Future of Nuclear Power in the United States
by Indranil Ghosh Uncategorized
Energy is one of the most important resources for humanity in the 21st century, and electricity is the most common […]
How Climate Change Fuels the Spread of Mosquito-Borne Diseases
by Elizabeth Walsh Science of the Outdoors
With July of this year, 2023, being the hottest on Earth yet recorded, there are increasing concerns about how climate […]
Meet Man’s Best Friend… and Hero
by Elizabeth Casolo Science Around the House
Coming face to face with our best friends There’s just that something behind your canine companion’s eyes, but you can’t […]
Can Green Supplement Powders Boost Immunity?
by Marina Jardim Science Within Us
In recent years, green supplements have become remarkably popular in the health-and-wellness world. Green supplements are fruits and vegetables that […]
Houseplants Heal: The Benefits of Having and Caring for Plants in Your Home
by Elliot Opel Science Around the House
Houseplants are often thought of as ornamental pieces to liven up a room. When I got my monstera, pathos and […]
Organoids: Animal-Free Alternatives in Medical Research
by Harriet Giddings Science Within Us
The use of animals in research has been a controversial topic for some time. There is still a divided opinion […]
Minerals: The Valuable Gifts of Nature
by Kawther Alhamadah Science Below the Surface
Early in its 4.5 billion years of history, a molten Earth began to solidify its rocky surface, creating an atmosphere, […]
Ancient DNA Helps Us Understand Pathogens of the Past
by Madeline Rollins Science Within Us
Herpes simplex virus, the microbe that causes pesky cold sores, has been around for centuries. More than 2,500 years ago, […]
Air conditioning: a global contradiction
by Lily Burton Science Around the House
At the turn of the century, printing books and newspapers in the New York area during the hot and humid […]
What’s the Difference Between a Harmless Cosmetic Procedure and the Deadliest Poison on Earth? There Isn’t Any!
by Anna Ruvinov Science Within Us
Every year, millions of Botox® procedures are done, usually in the form of non-invasive injections. In many cases, these injections […]
Genetic Leapfrog: How Zoonotic Viruses Jump Species
by Madeline Rollins Science Below the Surface
Eating a porkchop. Getting a mosquito bite. Playing with your dog. Interactions with animals are a common yet significant part […]
Shedding Light on Lampenflora
by Roo Weed Science of the Outdoors
Deep inside Belize’s Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave, I discovered a pallid seedling on the bank of a subterranean river. […]
Sonoluminescence: Where sound and light meet
by Kawther Alhamadah Science Below the Surface
A solar cell turns light from the sun into electricity. A car’s engine turns the heat of burning gasoline into […]
What your nose can tell you about mental health
by Dana Beach Science Within Us
Lately, our noses have been getting a lot more attention. COVID-19 changed the way our noses interact with the outside […]
You are WHEN you eat: How feeding schedules can synchronize the body’s circadian clocks
by Dana Beach Science Within Us
In recent years, a type of intermittent fasting called Time-Restricted Eating/Feeding (TRE/TRF) has received unprecedented attention in the wellness world. This […]
Lagrange points: A lesson in gravity and a path to space exploration
by Bill Carroll Science in Space
Years ago, I parked my car and dashed into a neighborhood shop, only to find that that my car had […]
Room for Dessert: Why We Crave Sweets Even When We’re Full
by Cassondra Saande Science Within Us
We’ve all experienced that feeling of being completely full after a meal, yet still having room for dessert… maybe even […]
Mitochondria Are More Than Just the Powerhouse of the Cell
by Cara "Andy" Anderson Science Within Us
The extent of the average American’s knowledge regarding mitochondria is that seemingly-ubiquitous adage from high school biology class: mitochondria are […]
From Geysers to COVID Testing: The Crucial Contributions of Basic Research
by Evelyn “Eve” Suva Science Below the Surface
On my walks around Chicago, I pass dozens of COVID-19 testing sites drawing people inside with sandwich boards that read […]
If I didn’t HAB you: how bacteria work together in harmful algal blooms
by Vilhelmiina Haavisto Science Below the Surface
Lake Erie is one of several Midwestern lakes that is plagued by harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the summer months. […]
Five Myths About Exercise
by Cara "Andy" Anderson Science Within Us
Exercise is a topic that’s muddied with mainstream misconceptions. Here are five common exercise myths, debunked by science.
How Climate Change Affects Our Forests
by Collin Schreur Science of the Outdoors
You may remember from science class that plants take up water and carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to make glucose for […]
