The hungry insect in question is the emerald ash borer which is devastating the area's ash trees. Jay Shefsky introduces us to some researchers who are trying to understand the bug well enough to find an ash tree that can co-exist with this pervasive pest.

A new form of DNA may help treat cancer, new understandings about ancient civilizations, and the important role of happiness in health. Chicago Tonight's science guy Neil Shubin talks about those stories, and his own upcoming research in the Arctic.

He used to manage the roadways of our nation's capital. Now he's followed Mayor Emanuel back to Chicago to direct transportation operations here. Chicago's new Transportation Commissioner Gabe Klein walks us through some of his ideas for improving how we maneuver in Chicago.

A Chicago family leads their community to convert an illegal garbage dump into Eden Place: a three-acre nature center for their struggling South Side neighborhood. Jay Shefsky has the remarkable story.

• Eden Place Nature Center website
• Fuller Park Community Development website

Do cell phones cause cancer? And what exactly does the World Health Organization have to say about it? A Chicago scientist who contributed to the latest report joins us to clarify the findings.

Henrietta Lacks died of cervical cancer in 1951. But her cells kept living. They started a scientific revolution and a multi-billion dollar industry. When members of her family found out, they felt angry and exploited. We talk with the author of a best-selling book about the story.

• More on the Story: Read and hear an audio excerpt from the book
• Author Rebecca Skloot's website

Imagine a world without fish. That's what author Mark Kurlansky did in his new book, and he didn't like what he saw. He tells us what it would mean if our oceans became nearly barren.

• Mark Kurlansky
• More on the book
• Marine Stewardship Council