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features Why Evolution Is True The “leftover” parts of human anatomy—like the tailbone, ear muscles, appendix and goose bumps—are signs of evolution. by Jerry Coyne, PhD___________________________________________
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Saving Kids with Science Clinical trials bring the most innovative cancer care to the Medical Center—and hope to pediatric patients and their families. by Jeremy Manier_____________________________________________
Designing discovery At the northeast corner of Drexel Avenue and 57th Street in Hyde Park, a behemoth of modern construction rises into the sky. Over the next few months, finishing touches will be put on the 330,760-squarefoot, 10-story building, which will house laboratories for medicine, pediatrics and the University of Chicago Cancer Research Center. The Gwen and Jules Knapp Center for Biomedical Discovery (KCBD)—an unparalleled research center in medicine and biological sciences and the tallest building on campus—will open this summer. The Center for Metastasis Research also will relocate to the new building, and researchers will work to discover the triggers for the spread of cancer. Gwen and Jules Knapp, longtime donors at the University of Chicago Medical Center, provided a $25 million contribution for the KCBD. Jules is a Medical Center trustee, and Gwen is a member of the Visiting Committee to the Division of Biological Sciences and the Pritzker School of Medicine. The Knapps are on a personal quest to find better cures and treatments for health disorders. Their daughter, Joy Faith Knapp, suffered from lupus, an autoimmune disorder, and died from complications in 2000 at age 37. Their donation is the family’s second multi-million-dollar gift for biomedical research at the University of Chicago. In 1991, they donated $10 million to create the Gwen Knapp Center for Lupus and Immunology Research. Additional funding for the $244 million building comes from the Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Fund for Cancer Research, the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation, university resources and ongoing philanthropic campaigns. The cluster of buildings around the KCBD will be renamed the Knapp Research Complex to honor the Knapps. The complex will include the Jules F. Knapp Medical Research Center and the Donnelley Biological Sciences Learning Center. Enclosed walkways will connect with the Gordon Center for Integrative Science and the Donnelley Biological Sciences Learning Center. —Martha O’Connell
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The “Embarrassing Disease” of the Digestive System Medical Center physicians are leaders in treating inflammatory bowel disease, which affects the large and small intestines. by Cheryl Reed_______________________________________________
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Exceptional Promise Third-year medical student Nereida Esparza is planning a career in underserved medical communities—and she’s not waiting for graduation to start her work. by Suzanne Wilder____________________________________________
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Circuit Breaker New electrophysiology equipment uses massive magnets to steer tiny catheters through the body. by John Easton_______________________________________________
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The Power of Personalized Medicine A new clinic in Chicago’s loop brings depth to the idea of medicine that caters to each patient’s life and health needs. by Suzanne Wilder____________________________________________ Photos by Dan Dry
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departments Midway News Catch up on the latest research and news in medicine and biological sciences.___________________________________________
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Medicine off the Midway Hans Larsson, an alumnus with a PhD in organismal biology and anatomy, finds lost history in places where no one else is looking. by Katie Scarlett Brandt________________________________________
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Alumni News Read up on alumni of the Pritzker School of Medicine and the Division of Biological Sciences._________________________________
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Perspective David Cohen, MD, chief of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, explains the ethics behind oocyte preservation, or freezing human eggs.________________________________________________
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