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Science for Grown-ups in Chicago

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


I will be in Chicago this week attending science events aimed at grown-ups. If you don't know the city, check out this tilt-shift video. Incredible!

What started as a trip to view the work-in-progress film about cold fusion called "The Believers" (see my post), has become a bit of an adventure.


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I will briefly fill you in on some of the science (and Valentine's Day) themed events, in case you are in town and want to attend or, at the very least, to have something to look forward to when I share more about them.

Sunday night, Stephanie Levi (@scienceissexy on twitter) will be hosting her Night Lab: The Science of Love and Attraction at a Chicago bar with two guest speakers who promise to enlighten us on the science of human attraction. Eli Finkel, PhD will share with the audience about the science of online dating and Rachel Fons will talk about the science and art of sex and film ratings! We are promised to be enlightened about how actors "do it" without "doing it". Stephanie also has some great trivia prizes, including a two copies of The Science of Kissing by Sheril Kirschenbaum

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On Valentine's Day, I am very much looking forward to Lincoln Park Zoo's one in a series of events for grown-ups called Wine and Wildlife: Animal Attraction where attendees are promised champagne and chocolate and the inside scoop on the risque side of animal courtship as presented by three animal experts.

Internet dating websites have nothing on animal matchmaker SarahLong. She is behind hundreds of love connections in zoos across the country, ranging from tigers and monkeys to birds and snakes. She will be on hand to explain what goes into a critter coupling.

First impressions last a lifetime in both the human and animal world. Meet Mark Kamhout – he works with a team of zoo professionals who ensure that the animals’ environment is just perfectfor a love match up – chocolates and candlelight, anyone?

Sometimes the right match boils down to chemistry – just ask Dr. Rachel Santymire, an endocrinologist who analyzes the love hormones of zoo critters. She can help animalmanagers determine the perfect moment to introduce a feisty male tiger with a fetching female feline. Santymire also develops pregnancy tests for rhinos and other beasts to alert the zoo team when a baby is on the way

Whether you are an animal lover or a person in love, reserve your spot now at www.lpzoo.org or call 312-742-2000 for more information. Tickets are $45 per person, $40 for Lincoln Park Zoo members.

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Who doesn't want to fall in love under the night sky, or with the night sky, for that matter? Adler Planetarium opens its doors once a month to adults after dark in an event they call "Adler After Dark". Guests will be treated to wine, an opportunity to view through the Doane Observatory, weather permitting, for a chance to see Saturn's rings or Jupiter's red spot. This week, event goers will learn about the science of chocolate, enjoy Gustav Holst's Space Opera (an artistic, philosophic, musical, scientific and cinematic experience all at the same time), have the opportunity to chat with Adler experts in an informal setting, party to live DJ entertainment and, for the singles, a chance meet and greet other singles.

Check out their website for more information!

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There are a few other behind-the-scene surprises I will have for you, including some video footage of something I am sure you will fall in love with!

 

Joanne Manaster is a university level cell and molecular biology lecturer with an insatiable passion for science outreach to all ages. Enjoy her quirky videos at www.joannelovesscience.com, on twitter @sciencegoddess and on her Facebook page at JoanneLovesScience

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