The Scripps Research Center, a La Jolla-based research institution committed to advancing human health through profound discoveries, is celebrating its 100th anniversary by bringing more than 50 Scripps Research graduate students and postdoctoral research fellows to participate in our “Genius in the House” program.
It will bring over a dozen hands-on activities and science demonstrations to the Fleet to help guests explore fun topics in neuroscience, cell biology, chemistry, drug discovery, viruses and vaccines, and much more.
World Science Day for Peace and Development is an annual commemoration by the United Nations on Nov. 10, dedicated to highlighting “the significant role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues. It also underlines the importance and relevance of science in our daily lives.” The Fleet is excited to partner with Scripps Research to celebrate their 100th anniversary on such an important day.
Visitors to the Genius in the House program at the Fleet Science Center can experience:
- The molecular magic of chemistry is as Scripps Research chemists make ice cream with liquid nitrogen, create invisible ink from everyday household materials, combine chemicals to make instant nylon, and learn the shape of well-known molecules.
- Immerse yourself in the tiny but amazing world of viruses by wearing state-of-the-art augmented reality headsets and using hand controllers to explore many different types of well-known viruses, peer inside their outer shells, and discover their unique symmetries.
- The wonders of biology by peering into the very small with microscopes, watching an enzymatic reaction as lactase degrades the lactose found in milk, and extracting and seeing DNA from strawberries… or by swabbing your cheek!
- Building your delicious DNA models with candy vines, gumdrops, and toothpicks.
- Using the everyday tools and wearing the attire of today’s researchers, with various scientific instruments, a hands-on pipetting activity, and an opportunity to take a selfie wearing a Scripps Research lab coat.
- A colorful demonstration of how researchers discover and develop new medicines by performing a process called thin layer chromatography (TLC), a technique used by scientists at Calibr-Skaggs, the drug discovery division of Scripps Research. Through the process of TLC, you will watch compounds separate before your eyes—not just creating a colorful display on the plate but also illuminating valuable information to help you understand the chemical components in each sample mixture.
- Mind-expanding neuroscience activities, including crafting colorful brain cell (neuron) models from pipe cleaners and beads, building and coloring an origami-style brain anatomy hat and learning about the sensory breakthroughs that earned Scripps Research neuroscientist Ardem Patapoutian the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
- …and much more!
Admission to Genius in the House is included with general Fleet Science Center admission. For more information, visit the Fleet’s website at https://www.fleetscience.org/events/genius-house.
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