So what's the matter with Illinois? Well, the researchers place a lot of the blame for the decline in higher education on the state government. more ›

Tons of Chicago restaurants are helping to find a cure. more ›

We talk to Corine Vriesendorp, Senior Conservation Ecologist and Director of the Field's Rapid Inventories and Conservation Tools program, about their objectives and current research in Peru's Kamppankis Mountains. more ›

Last year researchers at University of Chicago put this theory to the test on eleven healthy men and women. Results showed their subjects consumed more calories after sleeping 5 1/2 hours than they did after sleeping 8 1/2. Another study published in 2005 found that sleeping less than 7 hours per night puts us at greater risk for becoming overweight, and that risk increases with each hour of sleep lost. more ›

Results of a new study show that women who take calcium supplements and a multivitamin have reduced breast cancer risk. The findings were presented last Saturday to the America Association of Cancer Research in Washington by researchers at Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico. The study analyzed 744 women, including 278 with breast cancer and 466 healthy controls, using blood tests and questionnaires about dietary intake of specific vitamins and minerals. The women taking calcium supplements had a 40% reduced risk of breast cancer, while those taking a multivitamin showed a 30% reduced risk. "We found that taking multivitamins and calcium supplements were strongly protective against breast cancer," said Dr. Manuel Bayona, a professor in the public health program at the Ponce School of Medicine. "Which vitamins exactly? We don't know because they were multivitamins." According to study co-author Dr. Jaime Matta, a professor of pharmacology, physiology and toxicology, “It's possible that the vitamins work better together than individually." more ›

Today we report the latest news in the health benefits of the unpretentious apple. A recently published study shows the soluble fiber in apples (called pectin) may do wonders for the health of our digestive tract. We already know fiber ensures normal digestive processes (have you read the highly-informative What’s Your Poo Telling You by Dr. Stool?), but what about all those critters that live in our colon? more ›

Fans of craft beers know that Dogfish head's Sam Calagione is one of the more progressive brewers around. The man seems to live for coming up with a brew that's never been done. Calagione's research into the history of brewing nearly rivals that of the late Michael "the Beer Hunter" Jackson. Beginning with their "Midas Touch" ale in 1999, Dogfish Head has worked closely with Dr. Patrick McGovern of the University of Pennsylvania to recreate ancient ales using molecular evidence from archeological digs. Dogfish's "Ancient Ales" line has since grown to include Sah'tea (based on a 9th century Finnish recipe); Theobroma and Chateau Jihau, unearthed from a 9,000 year-old Chinese tomb. more ›

A new school has opened in Chicago’s Medical District. The Easter Seals Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research, a $32 million project, is specifically designed to meet the special needs of students with autism, emotional behavior disorders and severe learning disabilities. more ›

New research presented yesterday at the aforementioned International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease found that those living alone when middle-aged are 40 to 50 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s later in life. The first-of-its kind study, developed by Swedish researchers, particularly identified those who have been widowed or divorced before midlife as high-risk for later dementia. Previous studies have suggested a strong link between late-age social interaction and brain health, with marriage included among social activities that can help to decrease the onset of memory decline. [S-T]
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Coinciding with this week's International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease at McCormick Place, a new exhibit premiering last Saturday at the Chicago Cultural Center means to use art to visually demonstrate the progression of the disease. Portraits from the Mind: The Works of William Utermohlen, 1955-2000 chronicles the artist’s life before and after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1995. Supported by Myriad Pharmaceuticals, the free exhibit aims “to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on families and society.” more ›