We talk with Chicago Public Library Commissioner Brian Bannon about his vision for bringing the city’s libraries into the 21st century.

The City of Chicago says it now has a greener and more cost-effective way to treat ash trees infested by the destructive Emerald Ash Borer. City crews are inoculating the trees. Officials say the treatment will spare tens of thousands of trees from being cut down, and saves $1,000 per tree in removal costs. We look at how effective the treatment is. Read an article.

YouTube personality Emily Graslie, creator of the "The Brain Scoop” channel, joins us to talk about her new gig at the Field Museum as its Chief Curiosity Correspondent. She will also bring some friends from the Field’s collections to share. Watch Emily's online science videos.

Thirty-six years ago, Star Wars exploded onto the screen and made cinematic history. The blockbuster film began what would become a multi-billion dollar empire for George Lucas, and spawned companies like Industrial Light & Magic, and Pixar. We revisit Ash-har Quraishi's story of how Chicago played a pivotal role in sci-fi cinematic history. Read an article, view a slideshow, and watch web extra video.

We revisit Jay Shefsky's profile of the lifelong model railroader who now keeps the trains running at the Museum of Science and Industry. Read an article and watch a video.

David Mosena, president of the Museum of Science and Industry, joins us to discuss the renowned museum’s future as it celebrates its 80th birthday. View a slideshow.

A food additive that has been used for decades is stirring up controversy. We talk with a Chicago researcher who is in the midst of clinical trials to uncover its potential hazards. Read an article about carrageenan.

Brookfield Zoo is standing tall today after the debut of the 59th baby giraffe born on its grounds. At 5-foot-9 and 173 pounds, the calf was born 11 days ago to first-time mom Jasiri, and dad Hasani. Watch a web extra video of the giraffe's birth.

We revisit an exhibit that takes a revealing look at animals from the inside -- out. Ash-har Quraishi takes us behind the scenes at the Museum of Science and Industry. Read an article and view a slideshow.

Are some of the plants in your garden already dying? Or are the top-heavy plants face down in the mud? The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Eliza Fournier joins us. Read her summer gardening tips.

Fifty-two million years ago, after the extinction of dinosaurs, a tropical lake basin surrounded by volcanoes was home to thousands of diverse species. Now that basin is known as Wyoming's Fossil Lake, with some of the most well-preserved fossils in the world. The Field Museum's Lance Grande brings us some of his fantastic finds from The Lost World of Fossil Lake. Read an interview with Grande and view photos.

Heavy rains swept through the Chicago area Wednesday morning challenging commuters and the engineers at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Read an article.

Computer scientists are partnering with physicians to take next-generation virtual reality to the extreme. We revisit Ash-har Quraishi's exploration inside the CAVE2 in tonight's edition of Scientific Chicago. Read an article and view a slideshow.

The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that human genes are off-limits for patent protection. Read the full opinion, and a Q&A with a bioethics professor about the impact of the ruling on the medical community.

A flood watch is in effect for the region from 4:00 pm Wednesday afternoon until 4:00 am Thursday morning. We chat with WGN-TV’s chief meteorologist Tom Skilling about what to expect, and how to protect your family and property.