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    Inside the Lab

    Inside the Lab

    A first-hand look at research changing the world

    The University of Chicago is home to hundreds of the world’s most advanced laboratories and research facilities. Whether addressing climate change, inventing new medical treatments, or preserving ancient objects, these scholars are making breakthrough discoveries that are shaping fields of study and tackling some of the world’s most complex problems.

    Video thumbnail for the video
    In the ‘Inside the Lab’ series, go behind the scenes of the innovative research at the University of Chicago—and hear from scholars and scientists discussing how their groundbreaking work is solving some of the world’s most complex problems.
    Video by UChicago Creative

    But what does it actually look like inside an advanced laboratory? Step into the labs—from greenhouses and biochemistry labs to public schools and museums—and learn more about the research from the scholars themselves. Learn more about the series here, and explore the labs through videos and Q&As with UChicago faculty, staff and students below.

    Explore Labs Across UChicago

    Researchers operate large scientific equipment while wearing protective glasses

    Sheffield Lab: Understanding the neuroscience of memories

    Watch UChicago neurobiologist Mark Sheffield and his team investigate the mechanisms of memory by studying neuron activity and connections. Their research could enhance the treatment of memory-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and PTSD.

    Watch a video and read a Q&A with lab members


    MRI equipment preparation

    Awad Lab: Predicting and preventing strokes and brain bleeds

    Prof. Issam Awad is a neurosurgeon who repairs damage from strokes and brain bleeds—but his lab is dedicated to researching ways to prevent these bleeds before they happen.
     
    Watch a video and read a Q&A with lab members

    Inside the Lab

    Light Lab: Understanding the gut microbiome to treat disease

    Step inside Asst. Prof. Sam Light’s lab to learn how scientists are mapping the incredible network of microbes living inside your gut—and how they can affect health or disease.

    Watch a video and read a Q&A with lab members


    An instructor works with a student at the Education Lab

    Education Lab: Using tutoring to reverse pandemic-era learning loss

    Prof. Jens Ludwig and the Education Lab have partnered with school districts nationwide to find solutions to learning loss caused by the pandemic. They’ve discovered that intensive tutoring can double or even triple what students learn in a year.

    Watch a video and read a Q&A with lab members


    Chen Lab

    Chen Lab: Protecting our lungs from disease

    Asst. Prof. Joyce Chen’s lab finds innovative ways to grow lung cells in the lab in order to understand the tiny changes that take place in your lungs when disease strikes—and thus find new ways to treat diseases and protect lung health.

    Watch a video and read a Q&A with lab members


    Haoxuan Li (at left) and Guanqun Wang

    He Lab: Modifying plants to feed the world

    Prof. Chuan He's team discovered a breakthrough method that helps plants like corn and rice grow longer roots, boosting yields by as much as 50% while making crops more drought-resistant.

    Watch a video and read a Q&A with lab members


    Conservation Lab

    Conservation Lab: Preserving the world's oldest objects

    At the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, a team of experts works to keep some of these important pieces of cultural heritage from turning to dust—preserving them for future generations.

    Watch a video and read a Q&A with lab members

    More from UChicago

    The Day Tomorrow Began

    The Day Tomorrow Began

    Revisit the stories of where breakthrough ideas and discoveries came from.

    Prof. Ted Fujita in his lab next to a machine that simulates a small-scale tornado

    UChicago Explainer Series

    Discover ideas pioneered at the University—and how they are shaping our world.

    Wendy Freedman recording an episode of Big Brains

    Big Brains podcast

    Hear about the groundbreaking research at UChicago and beyond.

    LBNF

    UChicago News

    Learn about innovative research and UChicago’s intellectual community.

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