By Diana Abbasi, C2ST Intern, Rush University

Plastic pollution has become one of the most overwhelming environmental issues of our time. The effects of this type of pollution are wide-ranging, impacting wildlife, climate, and human health. No one wants to see images of sea turtles trapped in fishing nets or read about hazardous plastic byproducts contaminating our land and animals dying from starvation because their stomachs are filled with indigestible plastic, but that’s the current reality we live in. 

Continue reading “Can Biorecycling Put An End To The Plastic Crisis?”

By Diana Abbasi, C2ST Intern, Rush University

Sauteur d’Alfort is French for Alfort’s jumpers but interestingly, the breed of rabbits that carry the name don’t jump at all. Most rabbits push off the ground with both their back legs in order to move quickly, however, these unique rabbits send their back legs sky high and walk on their front paws. Now, researchers have identified the specific gene mutation that leads to this atypical limb movement in these rabbits. 

Continue reading “Gene Defect Turns Rabbit Hops into Acrobatic Handstands”

By Laura Tran, C2ST Intern, Rush University

Biodegradables won’t solve our plastic crisis. Despite our efforts to recycle, the overall amount of plastic that is recycled is less than 9% in the U.S.¹. Many people do not recycle for several reasons, such as a lack of knowledge for what is recyclable and where to sort it, or they lack access to appropriate and convenient recycling facilities. To combat this issue, today’s biodegradable plastics are advertised as a solution to the world’s increasing plastic pollution problem. However, these materials come with their own challenges.

Continue reading “Now You See It, Now You Don’t: Making Biodegradable Plastics Disappear”

By C2ST Staff

Hello! Here’s what’s happening in the world of STEM this week.

What do feral donkeys, the search for alien life, and zero-waste restaurants have in common? Well…we’re not sure really, except that they’re all listed in the previous sentence! 

Continue reading “C2ST Weekly: Public Transportation & Feral Donkeys”

By C2ST Staff

Hello! Here’s what’s happening in the world of STEM this week.

All Chicago residents 16 years and older are now eligible to receive the COVID vaccine. Plus, what do you know about immortal hydras?

Continue reading “C2ST Weekly: Science, Sandwiches, & Immortal Hydras”

By Laura Tran, C2ST Intern, Rush University

Over the last decade there has been a health craze brewing over kombucha (kuhm-boo-chuh) and other fermented drinks and food (e.g., yogurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi). Like coffee and tea, kombucha has origins dating back to over 2,000 years ago. As kombucha spread across the world due to expanding trade routes, so did the number of beneficial health claims. What is kombucha and does this superfood live up to its reputation?

Continue reading “Taste of Science: Fermented Beverages”