By Mackenzie Smith, C2ST Intern, Loyola University

The question “How about this crazy weather?” has dominated small talk throughout the ages. While humans and weather have often been at odds throughout history, many recognize that the world’s climate today looks different than it once did. People may notice shorter winters compared to 70 years ago and more intense tropical storms. As the world changes, we need to address the question of how to grow the food that feeds us in more adverse conditions. Knowing this can help us tackle the issue of rising oceans overtaking farmland and harming crop production. Thanks to cutting edge research, scientists interested in this problem have discovered the key reason why certain plants are better at surviving in saltwater.

Continue reading “The Secret of Seaside Plants: Exploring How to Grow in Saltwater”

By Zyara Morton, C2ST Intern, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

When thinking about ancestry, one can imagine a large apple tree. This tree has various branches, each with its own unique sets of smaller branches and red apples attached to the ends. Over time, these apples ripen and then fall. Eventually, the seeds from these apples are deposited into the soil—growing a whole new apple tree with its own unique set of branches, and shiny red apples. As you may have already guessed, the branches represent different categories: mammals, reptiles, insects—and the apples represent all living beings. Evolutionary scientists analyze these trees; investigating when certain branches came into, and others faded out of, existence. However, how are they able to trace back these ‘apples’? The answer to this is through the amazing practice of DNA analysis! 

Continue reading “Tracing Back the Apple: What DNA Analysis Can Tell Us about Evolution”

By Ella Coley, C2ST Intern, Waubonsee Community College

Gloria E. Barrera, MSN, RN, PEL-CSN (Certified School Nurse), plays a crucial role in her students’ daily lives at a high school in the Chicago suburbs, leading the school health services team, providing healthcare services to over 2,500 students, and serving as the chief health compliance officer. Additionally, she is a co-director of the online RN to BSN program at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), overseeing a high-quality, rigorous program designed for the working registered nurse. The RN-BSN program focuses on enhancing clinical thinking, evidence-based practice, health assessment skills, leadership and management ability, quality and safety knowledge, nursing informatics utilization, population-focused nursing and health promotion, and an overall understanding of the broadened role of the nurse and issues facing nurses and healthcare in the US and globally. She also serves on various nursing boards at the state and national levels to advocate for progress and equity in the nursing field. In this interview, Barrera discusses her background in nursing, the challenges and rewards of her current role, and advice and information on nursing school. Her 16+ years of experience offer valuable insight into how nursing professionals contribute to a healthy and supportive school environment, aiding the entire community.

Continue reading “Inside the World of School Nursing: Insights from Gloria Barrera’s Dual Role as Educator and Care Provider”

By Frances Clinite, C2ST Intern, Loyola University

Homes on fire while submerged in water, businesses swept away, mudslides dragging cars down streets, pets separated from families, widespread power outages affecting millions, National Guard helicopters rescuing people, and tornadoes forming over the ocean. You may recall these vivid scenes from Hurricanes Helene and Milton that wreaked havoc in late September and early October. Leaving behind a path of destruction and problems along the southeastern coast, we have no doubt about the scientific importance and seriousness of studying hurricanes. Among all the devastation, however, one topic continues to dominate headlines: climate change. Scientists and media outlets are pleading for serious attention to the threat of tropical storms and hurricanes under a worsening climate. So, what do scientists actually know about the relationship between hurricanes and climate change? How does climate change explain what we’re witnessing?