Stories by Ash-har Quraishi

It raked in nearly $250 million in its first weekend, garnering critical acclaim along the way. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is well on its way to becoming the highest-grossing movie of all time. Tonight, we revisit a 2013 "Chicago Tonight" report that introduced viewers to the Chicago computer scientists who helped make some key special effects in the very first "Star Wars" movie.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Teacher Center is an organization that teaches teachers how to sidestep the pitfalls of early career burnout. Read a web article and watch an extended interview with Ellen Moir, founder and CEO of the organization, who is working to battle the teacher retention crisis in America.

Ash-har Quraishi has the story of how Chicago played a pivotal role in sci-fi cinematic history.

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. Ash-har Quraishi has the story in tonight's Scientific Chicago.

How do you narrow the college achievement gap between low- and high-income students? A new program in Chicago schools is trying a new strategy: teaching character.

Computer scientists are partnering with physicians to take next-generation virtual reality to the extreme. Ash-har Quraishi goes inside the CAVE2 in tonight's edition of Scientific Chicago.

Bringing Chicago's electric grid into the 21st century. Ash-har Quraishi has the story.

Could a better helmet hold the key to reducing the epidemic of sports-related brain injuries? Ash-har Quraishi talks with a team of university researchers who say it’s time for a new design. We revisit the story.

In tonight's Scientific Chicago, Ash-har Quraishi takes a look at a recent scientific study that delves deep into what happens as we recall events from our past.

Could the secret to good health and combating disease rest in the gut? We revisit Ash-har Quraishi's story about an unusual procedure that could provide some answers.

A new exhibit 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.

Changing the way medicine targets cancer. Could doctors one day kill cancer cells without the use of drugs or chemotherapy? Ash-har Quraishi spotlights some promising research in tonight's edition of Scientific Chicago.

Could a better helmet hold the key to reducing the epidemic of sports-related brain injuries? In this week’s edition of Scientific Chicago, Ash-har Quraishi talks with a team of university researchers who say it’s time for a new design.

Bringing Chicago's electric grid into the 21st century. Ash-har Quraishi has the story.

Unraveling the past to create the future. Modern Turkish rugs are going green. Ash-har Quraishi takes us to Turkey to show us the innovative carpet designs, and how you can find them right here in Chicago.

Could the secret to good health and combating disease rest in the gut? In tonight's Scientific Chicago, Ash-har Quraishi tells us about an unusual procedure that could provide some answers.

For decades the national emblem had been endangered, but for some lucky bird lovers catching a glimpse of this majestic animal is just a matter of looking out the window. We tell you where you can spot the great American Bald Eagle.

A multimillion dollar public-private partnership has attracted donors from all over the world. We show you how it's breathing new life into old athletic fields.

Bee hives, hand cream and O'Hare Airport. We show you how one social enterprise is utilizing the sweet nectar of honey to give its employees a fresh start.

We revisit the set of an international, big budget action film shot here in Chicago.

A new drug shows promise in the treatment of social withdrawal for people with Fragile X syndrome, and potentially for autism patients.

How do you narrow the college achievement gap between low- and high-income students? A new program in Chicago schools is trying a new strategy: teaching character.