ART AND science are combining for a new interactive exhibition showing how infections spread in the human body.
The Infectiousevent, which opens tomorrow at the Trinity College Science Gallery, contains exhibits designed to educate people about the immune system and how epidemics can develop. It looks at the implications this can have on society scientifically, ethically and socially.
The exhibition, which also aims to battle the misconception of science as a boring subject, focuses on the link between creativity, innovation and science. Participation is key as visitors can observe chemicals and bacteria in the lab, examine their own “kiss culture” in an experiment and track an epidemic across the world.
Medical artistry is also on display in the form of a dress designed by Susie Freeman called “Bacteriology Illustrated”. The changing swimming patterns of tiny insects are converted into audio in “Nobody leaves ‘til the Daphnia sing” – a reference to planktonic crustaceans.
Trinity biochemist Prof Luke O’Neill was heavily involved with the project. He said: “The big mistake in Ireland at the moment with science is the way it’s sold. People shouldn’t just look at it as a way of getting a job in a factory – though that is important too. It’s about a way of understanding the world.”
Prof O’Neill and Prof Clíona O’Farrelly will also compile data from the exhibits. Visitors can give DNA samples to show whether the individual is susceptible to diseases such as TB and malaria.Using anonymous questionnaires to get background information from those who take part, the scientists hope to better understand the immune system without the aim of creating drugs to boost it.
Infectiousis open noon-8pm, Tuesday-Friday; and noon-6pm, Saturday-Sunday. Free admission.
The gallery will host a debate on topics raised at 6pm on Saturday.