Scientific necklaces blend science and fashion...
The DNA Necklace exhibit is making a comeback at the Thomas Gosnell Hall Atrium, offering visitors a unique and personalized jewelry experience. This intriguing exhibit, originally conceived by Robert Osgood and students from Franklin High School, allows participants to own something truly unique – a piece of their own double-stranded DNA helix.
The process is surprisingly quick and efficient. Visitors are required to swish a salty water solution in their mouth for two minutes to dislodge cells from the inside of their cheek. After this, students add half a milliliter of a 25 percent soap solution to the tubes to break open the cells and release the DNA. Ethanol is then added, which pulls the DNA out of the water phase and into the ethanol phase, allowing it to be seen and collected. The extracted DNA is then pipetted off and placed into a decorative vial of the visitor's choice.
Last year, the exhibit started with 250 glass vials, but due to its popularity, they ran out early. To ensure everyone has a chance to participate this year, Robert Osgood, an assistant professor of biomedical sciences at the university, has ordered 500 tubes for the exhibit. In fact, the exhibit has gained such considerable popularity that this year, they have ordered 500 tubes to accommodate more visitors, in hopes of avoiding running out early.
The DNA Necklace exhibit is likely to be popular due to its novelty and potential for personalization. It seems to have become a highlight of the university festival, offering a unique and educational experience for all. If you're interested in visiting the DNA Necklace exhibit, it's best to check the Thomas Gosnell Hall Atrium organisers' official website or event materials for more details.
The DNA Necklace exhibit, a fusion of art and science, is returning at the Thomas Gosnell Hall Atrium, offering a rare opportunity for visitors to own a piece of their own double-stranded DNA helix. This personalized jewelry experience, conceived by Robert Osgood and students from Franklin High School, requires participants to undergo a speedy process that involves swishing a saltwater solution and extracting DNA. Due to its growing popularity, the exhibit will feature 500 tubes this year, ensuring a chance for all to participate. This exhibit, which has become a vibrant aspect of the university festival, merges health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and technology, offering an enlightening and captivating experience for everyone.
