Visitors Observe microbes (Image by IM)

Institute of Microbiology (IM) was open to public last Saturday for its 6th Academy Open Day. The theme for this year’s event is "Recognizing Microorganisms & Living a New Life”. 

Many pupils did their first microbiological experiment ever under the instruction of IM volunteers. They pressed their fingers or left their hairs on the culturing media and sealed the plates for growing microbes. After several days, they will receive the picture of culturing result through e-mail, which they could’t wait to see.

Three lectures about the knowledge of microorganisms were given by IM professors. "I’ve been interested in biology. After I listened to the lectures today, I learned that people use yeast to produce beer and feed.” A middle school student said to the reporter. “And I learned that flu viruses mutate frequently. That is the reason of frequent vaccination. Since flu viruses are airborne through coughing and sneezing, we should keep indoor air fresh.” Another student said.

This event also served as a “career day” for college students. They had the opportunity to visit laboratory and culture collection center, where the real scientific research and the conservation of microbial resources take place. Besides, faculty members XIANG Hua and HUANG Li shared their career stories with students.

The purpose of the “Academy Open Day” event is educating public and advocating the spirit of science, which shows IM’s responsibility to society and community.