Researcher’s Night

From the surveys, we learned that the basic concepts of synthetic biology are not clear to many Hungarians and that they are unfamiliar with many genetically modified organisms or microbes. Therefore, we considered it essential to have some educational reply to this gap in knowledge, and we decided to enroll as presenters at this year’s European Researcher’s Night at ELTE Faculty of Sciences. Our focus was to familiarize the visitors with synthetic biology in general, its applications, and the tools we often use in our work. The participants had the chance to learn about NanoBlade and also experience the marvels of biochemistry and biology firsthand.

Researcher’s Night is an event held at the end of September throughout Europe. It is a great chance to introduce science to kids and adults. We organized creative and interactive programs for them to learn about synthetic biology and our project. We build a series of pitches in a way that, from start to end, they can familiarize themselves with this topic step by step. We carefully selected topics that were easy to understand, and we organized them in a way that, in the end, they could comprehend the world of synthetic biology.

First, we explained to them some basic concepts of biology, like cells, bacteria, DNA, and proteins to give them a basis to build on. This was conducted in a way they can easily imagine what a cell is, what its parts are, and their function. We built 2D and 3D models of the cells and also made posters for the visitors. Through a scope of a microscope, they even had the chance to peek into the world of the tissues, and we explained to them the different staining methods.

Next, we introduced them to the world of bacteria. After they have learned the basics of cells, we taught them about microbes and how synthetic biology uses them. We transformed plasmids containing fluorescent protein genes into E. Coli and spread them on agar plates to demonstrate the colonizing capabilities of microbes and gene technology. Through this, we introduced them to the world of fluorescence, since this phenomenon is a core part of our project. Besides fluorescent proteins, we showed them how things can glow under UV lights, and we explained to them the theory behind it.

Finally, we made games and riddles based on synthetic biology. The kids had the opportunity to play with plasmid models and make themselves the ones they desired. Plus, we demonstrated the difficulties of drug research with a fun game they all enjoyed. As they left, we gave them take-away gifts like coloring booklets, biology-themed cookies, and riddles to be solved with the knowledge they learned from us.

Our activities

Below you will find a list of our activities for the Researchers' Night and the posters we made to spread knowledge.

We hope our games will inspire future iGEM teams and that teachers find them useful to make lectures more entertaining for their students.

Look inside the cell!

"At this station, visitors can learn about cells in 2D and 3D models. As well as learning about the cell's structure, visitors to the stand will also be able to see how it works. Anyone wondering which parts are responsible for the production of energy in cells or what causes many diseases can find out here at the cellular level. In addition to the cell models, microscopic sections and tissue samples can be viewed."

DNA in your hands!

"Visitors will also have the opportunity to get a closer look at DNA, even using materials found in the kitchen. With this simple yet spectacular experiment, DNA can be extracted from a variety of fruits, such as bananas, and analyzed as a whole.

Many people know the role of DNA, but do they know which part of it is responsible for what? A plasmid puzzle allows participants to learn about the function of each DNA strand and to design and build functional plasmids themselves."

The DNA isolation from bananas exercise is described below.

Lab in the kitchen!

How to extract the DNA from a banana:

1. Cut half a banana and put it in a zip-lock bag.

2. Squeeze the banana until it becomes creamy.

3. Mix kitchen salt and washing-up liquid in a glass of lukewarm water.

4. Pour the dishwashing liquid mixture into the banana's bag.

5. Again, squeeze the contents of the bag until the banana is mixed in with the liquid.

6. Filter the content of the bag through a sieve into a clear glass.

7. Pour an equal amount of cooled, min. 35% alcohol over the filtered juice (e.g., vodka).

Make sure that the alcohol does not stir up the banana mixture.

8. Put black paper behind the glass.

9. Observe the change! After a few minutes, white, cotton wool-like particles will appear at the meeting point of the two liquids, which are none other than the DNA of the banana!

Life of cells in a different light!

"At this station, visitors can find out fascinating information about something that surrounds them in their everyday lives—light. They will learn about its unusual forms and vital role in science, including biotechnology and medicine. Our station will feature fluorescent protein-producing cells, a magical glowing egg, and little figures painted on agar plates.
Visitors can also learn about our optogenetic illumination system, RaccOpto."

Keep up with cancer!

"The station aims to raise awareness of cancers that often affect human organs and the difficulties of treating them. Visitors can experience the hardship of targeting and treating certain types of cancer with the help of a target boby.
Visitors can also find out more practical and impressive information on the subject through educational posters and a team member who will be there."

Biology on paper!

"Visitors leaving the stand can take coloring books with them or solve exciting puzzles. Visitors can also take away cookies in the biology and chemistry theme."