Saturday DNA! Sessions

In the fall of 1991, two hikers in the Ötztal Alps came upon the mummified remains of a 5,300-year-old man. Now preserved in a climate-controlled freezer at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, Ötzi's body and accompanying artifacts provide a window into life in Europe during the Copper Age. The mummy also provided a number of medical surprises. Although we think of Lyme disease as a new phenomenon that originated in Connecticut, Ötzi was infected with the Lyme disease microbe. His diet was filled with unprocessed, natural foods, yet he suffered from atherosclerosis. Most mysteriously, Ötzi died from an arrow shot to the back—his murderer had followed him up to the 10,200-foot pass where his body was found. How do scientists know all of these things? Join us to explore some of the interesting forensic techniques that have been used to understand more about the Iceman’s life and death.

Participants will:

• view a 3D model of Ötzi the Iceman;
• use a computer activity to simulate how scientists and historians from different fields came together to study the Iceman; and
• gather evidence from different departments of research and interpret the results to answer some of the mysteries surrounding Ötzi.

Organisms, such as humans, are made up of cells. Some of the most important molecules in cells are DNA and proteins. Cells rely on these molecules to execute very precise and controlled actions, just like we drive cars to move from one place to another. Have you ever wondered what the different “cars” look like in cells, how they work, and why their abundance is important? Join us to learn more about the real-life 3-D structures of proteins and DNA that are life’s building blocks and see for yourself!

Participants will:

• learn how scientists discover what molecules look like;
• use computer software to visualize 3-D molecules (proteins and DNA);
• observe molecule functions and explore the relationship between molecular structure and function; and
• experimentally measure protein abundance using colorimetric copper-sulfate-based test, whose variations are important in health and disease.

In this session our classroom will become a giant cell, and participants will become the proteins tasked with executing instructions from DNA! Discover the central dogma of molecular biology - how genes give us traits – and along the way explore some of its most fascinating questions. What makes cracking the genetic code so challenging? How are DNA instructions used to make a living thing? Join us to decode and find out for yourself!

Participants will:

• Simulate the central dogma of molecular biology;
• Learn how to decode the genetic code, and model how the code is used to make proteins that determine traits;
• Explore how and why DNA is packaged in cells.

Did you know there are tiny protein machines inside your body—and even in your food—that make chemical reactions happen faster than lightning? They’re called enzymes, and they’re the secret superheroes behind everything from creating cheese to lactose-free milk!

In this hands-on lab, you’ll become a food scientist and uncover the amazing ways enzymes help create some of your favorite snacks—and even how they work in your own body!

Participants will:

• use enzymes to make real foods like cheese and juice;
• watch enzymes in action as they speed up chemical reactions;
• discover how the enzyme lactase helps people who are lactose intolerant; and
• explore how lactose intolerance changed over time in different parts of the world.

Step into the future of science! In this unique hands-on workshop, participants will learn to program an OT-2 robot from Opentrons to play the classic game of Battleship. But it's not just a game; it’s your chance to explore the world of laboratory automation, a technology used to speed up experiments, ensure accuracy, and free scientists to focus on discovery. Join us to gain insight into this high demand skill in biotechnology, medicine, and beyond - by coding and experimenting with our robot!

Participants will:

• Get hands-on experience working with a fully automated liquid handling robot;
• Code the robot to load a Battleship game board;
• Code the robot to destroy your opponent’s ships.
• Experience the thrill of programing, and seeing it in action!

Step into the role of a DNA detective and crack a real-world wildlife mystery! Participants will explore how scientists use DNA barcoding to investigate leather goods from a suspicious vendor accused of breaking animal protection laws. Are the handbags made from a protected species? It’s up to you to find out.

Through hands-on investigation, you’ll discover how conservation biologists use cutting-edge molecular techniques to combat the illegal wildlife trade and safeguard endangered animals. By the end of the session you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and scientific tools needed to help protect some of the planet’s most vulnerable species.

Participants will:

• identify the animal origins of “leather” samples by matching DNA sequences to specific species;
• analyze real-world case study data to determine whether products come from endangered animals;
• explore how DNA technology is applied in conservation efforts around the world.