A fuzzy concept: Scientists turned to nature to solve a high-tech problem.

Roy Mackal’s wild speculation: How a UChicago biochemist gained fame—and lost credibility—when he developed a midlife obsession with legendary creatures.

Singing for the pine trees are stormy winds: Meteorologist Tetsuya Theodore Fujita (1920–1998) led a tempestuous career.

Instrumental: Computer scientist Pedro Lopes integrates technology with anatomy to reimagine the role of “human” in human-computer interaction.

Pilot program: The Chicago school of meteorology found and made waves.

By the dozens: Microbiologist Maurice Hilleman, PhD’44, and his feathered friends.

A wider scope: Nancy Grace Roman, PhD’49, didn’t get tenure. She changed the course of astronomy instead.

If you frighten easily …: Radio dramatist Arch Oboler, EX’36, shone a light on the horrors of humanity—in fiction and in reality.