Future: find the solution by example
Researchers' Night is an initiative promoted by European Commission which involves thousands of researchers and research institutions in all European countries every year. Organized again this year in partnership with Frascati Science, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal, was created to create opportunities for meeting between researchers and citizens to spread scientific culture and knowledge of research professions in an informal and stimulating context.
"You have to feel free and be curious, because it is from curiosity that surprise is born and the light bulb turns on": this is the message that emerged from the opening conference of the evening, in which the children's book "21 NOBEL FOR ITALY" was presented, in which nine middle school students ask themselves what to do when they grow up, seeking inspiration in stories of the twenty-one Italians who received the most prestigious award.
For the event, theUniversità Campus Bio-Medico di Roma has made 3 laboratories and 6 corners manned by research representatives operational:
- Microscopy Laboratory - Visitors had the opportunity to prepare a histological specimen and observe it under an optical microscope.
- Neurophysiology and Neuro Laboratoryingengineering of human-technology interaction - The visitors were able to participate in the embodiment, through the paradigm of the RHI (Rubber Hand Illusion), a phenomenon that concerns the perception of a limb as if it were not part of one's own body. Furthermore, it was possible to delve deeper into the SWI (Size Weight Illusion), the perceptual illusion which consists of an incorrect evaluation of the weight caused by the sight of the object.
- Laboratory of IngChemical engineering - The proposed activity concerned one of the most used physical treatments in industrial chemical processes: distillation, from the physical principle to the phenomenon.
- CORNER - Artificial senses for food analysis - it was possible to discover how some innovative sensors applied to the study of food products, such as fruit juices and bottled water, work.
- CORNER - How do you read a food label? - Correctly interpret a food label. Find out the macronutrients and allergens listed on the labels of specific foods.
- CORNER - CREO Lab - The researchers showed examples and some simple demos to allow participants to understand the key principles underlying robotic technologies and mechatronic systems for human health and well-being.
- CORNER - Wearable systems for monitoring physiological parameters applied to humans and plants - Visitors explored cardiac (respiratory) activity and the movement of joints ), as well as environmental parameters and plant growth.
- CORNER - Artificial Intelligence in our lives - Through two stations, visitors were able to view kiwi plantations located in Italy and Europe and calculate various stress indices using a data analysis engine. Furthermore, a demo showed the operation of a new "PyTrack" system for reconstructing road routes from GPS data.
- CORNER - The simulation that saves your life - The children were able to participate in simulations of basic BLSD cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques with the help of instructors.
- CORNER - Movement Analysis Laboratory - it was possible to provide scientific evidence on the most used therapeutic approaches which have the objective of restoring the anatomy and biomechanics of the operated joints.