The curious orange mouse is part of German television history. For generations, the children's programme “Die Sendung mit der Maus” (“The Show with the Mouse”) has explained everyday phenomena and scientific questions to young viewers: How can an airplane fly? How does milk get into a carton? Why does a light bulb glow? Since 2011, the Mouse has also been opening doors to places that are normally not accessible to the public. During the annual “Türen auf mit der Maus” (“Doors Open with the Mouse”) event, institutions, companies and research laboratories across Germany invite children to visit their facilities, learn about their work and explore scientific phenomena first-hand.
Laboratories at the University of Bonn and the ImmunoSensation³ research centre have regularly participated in “Türen auf mit der Maus”. This year, the research group of Prof. Dr. Dagmar Wachten welcomed 15 children between the ages of six and twelve to the laboratory. Together with researchers from the SFB/CRC1454 – Metaflammation and Cellular Programming, the team introduced the young visitors to the principles of scientific research and gave them the opportunity to conduct experiments themselves.
The focus of the day was light – both as a physical phenomenon and as a tool used in biomedical research. The children first received an introduction to optogenetics, a technique that allows researchers to control biological processes using light. In optogenetics, cells are genetically modified to produce light-sensitive proteins, which can then be activated or inhibited using specific wavelengths of light.
Following a short lecture about optogenetics, the children explored the properties of light through a series of hands-on experiments. They experimented with light sensors, investigated how different materials and substances interact with light, and explored the microscopic world by examining samples under a microscope.
Another experiment allowed the children to combine science and creativity by using light to create their own images. In this way, concepts that are central to scientific research became tangible through simple, hands-on activities. To round of the day with a highlight, the researchers prepared elephant's toothpaste together with the kids.
By opening their laboratories to the next generation, the researchers offered the children an insight into the everyday work of scientists and encouraged them to ask questions, experiment and explore the world around them. The research group would like to thank all researchers and volunteers who contributed to the event and helped make the laboratory visit possible.
Contact:
Prof. Dagmar Wachten
Institute for Innate Immunity at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB)
Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation3, TRA "Modeling" & "Life & Health" University of Bonn
E-Mail: Dagmar.Wachten@ukbonn.de
