Hosted by Teesside University's state-of-the-art teaching laboratories BIOS, this event is designed to inspire curiosity, promote scientific literacy, and engage a diverse audience in the fundamental techniques of biological research.

During the event the lab will be divided into multiple interactive stations, each focussing on different aspects of biosciences. Attendees will have the opportunity to move between stations, trying out different experiments and learning about key biological techniques used in research and industry.

Participants will explore how GFP, a protein originally found in jellyfish, is used in modern molecular biology to study gene expression. They will observe E. coli colonies expressing GFP under UV light and learn about the role of recombinant DNA technology in medical and industrial applicants. 

A hands-on experiment where participants will extract DNA from fruit (e.g. strawberries or bananas) using household ingredients. This activity introduces the concept of DNA structure and function while demonstrating how scientists isolate genetic material for further analysis. 

Visitors will learn how microbiologists differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using the classic Gram staining technique. They will prepare slides, apply stains, and observe bacterial samples under a microscope, gaining insight into microbial diversity and antibiotic resistance. 

Known as "water bears", tardigrades are resilient microscopic organisms found is moss and lichen. Participants will use microscopes to search for these fascinating animals learning about their incredible survival abilities in extreme environments. 

A demonstration of PCR, a technique used to amplify DNA, will allow participants to see how scientists identify genetic material. A pre-prepared PCR reaction will be loaded onto an agarose gel and run through electrophoresis, visualising DNA fragments under UC light. This station will highlight the role of PCR in forensic science, medical diagnostics and research. 

For more information, please visit the event webpage.

This event is aimed at any adult who has an interest in the bioscience and would like some hands-on scientific experiences. 

This event is free to attend, and booking is essential through the event booking page.

For all event queries please contact Dominic Gilchrist at D.Gilchrist@tees.ac.uk