Each year, 22 million pounds of plastic finds its way into the Great Lakes – the source of potable water for more than 30 million Americans. We take a look at what can be done to limit plastic pollution.
Stories by paul caine
Biles Was Right to Withdraw from Competition: US Olympic Team Doctor
Aug 2, 2021 | Paul Caine
One of the leading doctors for the U.S. Olympic team says star gymnast Simone Biles was right to withdraw from competition after a bout of what gymnasts call the “twisties.” Dr. Mark Hutchinson joins us from Tokyo to share his impressions of the Games so far.
Global Shortage of Computer Chips Hits US Manufacturing
Jul 29, 2021 | Paul Caine
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the disruption of supply chains and manufacturing the world over. Manufacturers of computer chips in Asia have been especially hard hit. And that means companies that make products that rely on such chips are feeling the pinch.
UChicago-Led Team Discovers Way to Dramatically Boost Crop Production
Jul 27, 2021 | Paul Caine
In a potentially world-changing discovery, scientists led by a team from the University of Chicago have discovered a way to manipulate RNA to dramatically boost crop production.
Paralyzed Man’s Brain Waves Turned Into Computer Text
Jul 22, 2021 | Paul Caine
Researchers have developed technology that enabled a man unable to speak because of paralysis to communicate by translating his brain waves into text on a computer screen. Rabiah Mayas of the Museum of Science and Industry has details on that story and others making headlines.
Study: Diaphragm Damage in COVID-19 Survivors Can Lead to Long-Term Symptoms
Jul 20, 2021 | Paul Caine
Many survivors of COVID-19 experience long-term symptoms including shortness of breath and fatigue. A new study finds damage to the lungs may not be the only cause.
Flamboyant Billionaire Branson Reaches the Edge of Space
Jul 12, 2021 | Paul Caine
Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson on Sunday became the first billionaire to ride his own rocket ship to space. But beyond being the ultimate joyride for billionaires, will commercial space travel take off as an industry accessible to the rest of us?
Latinos Have Greater Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s, But Less Likely to Get Help
Jul 10, 2021 | Paul Caine
The degenerative brain disease, for which there currently is no cure, takes a terrible toll on both patients and caregivers. By the year 2060, some 3.5 million Latinos are expected to be afflicted with the disease.
Anti-Violence Workers in Chicago Say More Resources Needed
Jul 6, 2021 | Paul Caine
Following a violent holiday weekend in Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said young people need to “put down the guns.” Community organizations fighting to stem the rising tide of violence talk about their efforts and the root causes of violence in the city.
Russian Researchers Revive Tiny Creatures Frozen for 24,000 Years
Jun 24, 2021 | Paul Caine
Researchers in Russia revive creatures frozen in Arctic permafrost for more than 20,000 years. A new vaccine for malaria. The powerful connection between music and memory. And how “laughing gas” is being used to treat severe depression.
Northern Illinois Farmers Facing Worst Drought in 30 Years
Jun 22, 2021 | Paul Caine
After record floods in 2019, northern Illinois farmers are now contending with severe drought. According to state data, this spring was the third driest on record — and those records go all the way back to 1871. Two area farmers join us to share their insights.
Fed Forecasts Strong Economic Growth, but Inflation Concerns Rise
Jun 17, 2021 | Paul Caine
The Federal Reserve has revised its forecast for inflation this year, predicting that core inflation — which doesn’t include the cost of food or gas — could rise to 3.4% by the year’s end. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said that while the economy is growing strongly, the U.S. is still down 7 million jobs.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Work with European Space Agency to Design ‘Moon Village’
Jun 15, 2021 | Paul Caine
The Chicago-based global architectural powerhouse designs everything from train stations to high-rises to airports. But it also has its sights set beyond Chicago — and even beyond Earth. We learn about a design for a lunar colony grounded in science fact rather than science fiction.
ProPublica Report Exposes Tax Strategies of America’s Super Rich
Jun 14, 2021 | Paul Caine
A trove of leaked IRS tax returns analyzed by ProPublica reveals America’s richest billionaires — including Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos — often pay little to no income tax.
Experts: ‘Reopening Anxiety’ is Real, Widespread and to Be Expected
Jun 7, 2021 | Paul Caine
Starting Friday, Chicago and the state of Illinois will fully reopen. It’s a day that many people have longed for, but if you’re experiencing anxiety about a return to something like normal, you’re not alone.
Clean Energy Bill Stalls, But Supporters Still Optimistic for Passage
Jun 3, 2021 | Paul Caine
A deal on Gov. Pritzker’s big push to make Illinois a green-powered state has reportedly been close for weeks. But the bill stalled in the Illinois Senate earlier this week.
Lawyers and Activists Blast Mayor, Police for Lack of Consent Decree Progress
May 25, 2021 | Paul Caine
Community activists and lawyers engaged in efforts to reform the Chicago Police Department have blasted Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPD leadership for failing to move quickly on implementation of a court-mandated consent decree that is supposed to ensure change.
Economy is Bouncing Back, but Food Insecurity Persists
May 24, 2021 | Paul Caine
The Greater Chicago Food Depository, which supplies food pantries across the area, says in its more than 40-year history it has never seen a hunger crisis like the one caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss the issue as part of WTTW’s Firsthand initiative exploring poverty.
Chicago’s Top Doctor Says If in Doubt, Keep Wearing That Mask
May 19, 2021 | Paul Caine
Dr. Allison Arwady, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, talks about the city’s updated mask guidance and what’s now safe for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
NU President Says He Knew ‘Optics’ of Hiring Polisky Would Be Tough
May 17, 2021 | Paul Caine
Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro has faced intense criticism over his handling of sexual harassment allegations involving cheerleaders, donors and Wildcat fans. He joins us in discussion.
Northwestern Team Develops Wireless Monitors for Pregnant Moms
May 13, 2021 | Paul Caine
For pregnant women, fetal monitoring devices are a cumbersome array of wires and tape that require constant adjustment and, quite literally, tether the patient to a hospital bed. A team of researchers at Northwestern University is working to change that.
NASA’s Perseverance Mission Begins Hunt for Ancient Martian Life
May 12, 2021 | Paul Caine
NASA’S Ingenuity helicopter takes flight on Mars. We get an update on the space agency’s most ambitious mission to date on the Red Planet from local astronomer and space enthusiast Mark Hammergren.
Economy Roars Back, But Dismal Jobs Report Points to Jobs-Skills Mismatch
May 10, 2021 | Paul Caine
The U.S. economy has come roaring back from pandemic lows, but a disappointing jobs report that fell far short of analysts’ predictions highlighted some potentially worrying trends.
Enzyme Could Help 700 Million People with Chronic Kidney Disease
May 6, 2021 | Paul Caine
Scientists in Australia have identified an enzyme that could help millions of people around the world. Rabiah Mayas of the Museum of Science and Industry discusses that and other science stories making headlines.
As US Economy Surges Back, Economists Forecast 2021 Boom
May 5, 2021 | Paul Caine
The U.S. economy grew at 6.4% in the first quarter of 2021 as the combined impact of a mass vaccination rollout and federal stimulus checks triggered a surge in consumer spending. But how long can this economic boom last?
Bears Fans Looking for Game-Ready Reinforcements from NFL Draft
Apr 29, 2021 | Paul Caine
The NFL Draft gets underway Thursday evening and after a disappointing and deflating end to last season Bears fans are hoping for some game-ready reinforcements.