Since 2004, with support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Art Institute of Chicago and Northwestern University have partnered to uncover secrets about some of the museum's most significant works by Matisse, Picasso and others. They've discovered, for instance, which Parisian foundry cast certain Picasso sculptures. They've also investigated the painting methods and "coloristic development" of Matisse by colorizing black-and-white photos of his work "Bathers by a River."

Now, thanks to a recent $2.5 million Mellon grant, the university will establish the Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts, to be located on the Northwestern campus in Evanston. "Art and technology are prime material evidence of humanity's accomplishment," Francesca Casadio, who since 2004 has served as the Andrew W. Mellon Senior Conservation Scientist at the Art Institute and will help guide this newest initiative, said in a statement. "By bringing the two together in this center, we will have a chance to enhance our understanding of the world's shared cultural objects and preserve them for future generations."

For more info: www.nuaccess.northwestern.edu