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.
Stories by ash-har quraishi
The Star Wars Connection
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.
Toxic Food Additive?
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.
Animal Inside Out
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.
CAVE2
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.
Teacher Mentoring
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.
The Star Wars Connection
Ash-har Quraishi has the story of how Chicago played a pivotal role in sci-fi cinematic history.
Toxic Food Additive?
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.
OneGoal Sets High Bar for Low-Income Students
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.
CAVE2
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.
Smart Grid Innovation
Bringing Chicago's electric grid into the 21st century. Ash-har Quraishi has the story.
Head-On Collision
Building a Safer Helmet
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.
Distorted Memories
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.
Groundbreaking Research on Importance of Bacteria
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.
Animal Inside Out
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.
Killing Cancer
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.
Head-On Collision
Building a Safer Helmet
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.
Smart Grid Innovation
Bringing Chicago's electric grid into the 21st century. Ash-har Quraishi has the story.
Unraveling Turkish Rugs
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.
Groundbreaking Research on Importance of Bacteria
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.
Eagles Land in Chicago Area
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.
Massive Partnership Promises Fields of Dreams
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.
Sweet Beginnings
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.
Bollywood in Chicago
We revisit the set of an international, big budget action film shot here in Chicago.
Fragile X Syndrome, Autism: Treating Social Withdrawal
A new drug shows promise in the treatment of social withdrawal for people with Fragile X syndrome, and potentially for autism patients.
OneGoal Sets High Bar for Low-Income Students
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.
