A recent report from the federal government shows births in the United States declining for a fourth consecutive year, but University of Iowa economist Alice Schoonbroodt thinks it will accelerate again once the economy improves.

A number of campus events over the next few weeks will reflect on the responsibilities of science and scientists to the broader culture, including an exhibit, "Frankenstein: Penetrating the Secrets of Nature," which runs through Nov. 2.

The University Club Newcomers Group will meet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 in the home of one of the members to learn about bread baking.

Former University of Iowa president Willard “Sandy” Boyd has been chosen to receive the inaugural Leadership Award offered by the Iowa Museum Association Board of Directors.

The Get to Know series asks University of Iowa faculty and staff a few questions about their work and their outside interests. Today we visit with Megan Schwalm from the Women's Resource and Action Center.

University of Iowa Pentacrest Museums and partners are celebrating National Archaeology Day with four days of lectures, activities, tours, and more Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 11-14

Jim Leach, current Chairman of the National Endowment of the Humanities, will give a lecture at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 13 in the Senate Chamber of the Old Capitol.

College football on-field officials get no glory, but plenty of grief.

Mariángeles Soto-Díaz, an abstract artist from Latin America, is back on the UI campus after a 2011-12 residency. But she's back in a way that has never been done before. Her exhibition,"Never Underestimate a Monochrome," will be available solely online now through Jan. 31.

The University of Iowa Old Capitol Museum will mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 with a special exhibition. "Conflict on the Iowa Frontier: Perspectives on the War of 1812" opens Thursday, Oct. 11, with a free public reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the museum.

University of Iowa alumna Angela Dalle Vacche will give a lecture, "Cinema and the Museum: Olivier Assayas' Summer Hours (2008)" at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, in the auditorium of Art Building West.

Hancher is presenting "It Gets Better," an anti-bullying performance based on the video project of the same name and featuring members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles. Local vocalists will have the opportunity to be part of the performance.