University scientists aim to inspire with celebration of life in miniature

Published On Mon 19 Mar 2018 by Jonathan Watson

Families will be able to explore a fuel of the future and learn the secrets of creating the perfect poo at a science spectacular in Dundee this week.

The University of Dundee’s School of Life Sciences will bring its Magnificent Microbes event to Dundee Science Centre on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 March.

The biennial celebration of these miniature life forms is hosted by University staff and PhD students, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about microorganisms and their impact on our daily lives.

Youngsters will be able to create their very own bacteria handprint, highlighting the importance of good hand hygiene, while other exhibits will illustrate their role in the human digestive tract.

The role of microbes as a future form of green fuel will also be showcased, with visitors able to manoeuvre a toy car powered by Biohydrogen.

Professor Nicola Stanley-Wall, Head of the Division for Molecular Microbiology at the University, said, “Microbes are all around us and we interact with them every day, whether we know it or not.

“Magnificent Microbes is a great way of illustrating this in both a fun and educational way and by demonstrating how important microbiology is, we hope we can inspire a new generation of scientists.”

On Friday the event is open to local school pupils only, with a full public opening taking place on Saturday.

The event takes place at Dundee Science Centre, Greenmarket, between 10am and 4pm, with entry priced £3.50.

For media enquiries contact:
Jonathan Watson
Media Relations Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 381489
Email: j.s.watson@dundee.ac.uk