The Queensland University of Technology is hosting a suite of fun science activities at the World Science Festival Brisbane.
The festival runs from March 21 – 25 with QUT researchers in both the Discover, Explore & Learn with QUT tent and in other areas around the cultural forecourt.
QUT experts are also part of the packed program of discussions, workshops and stage shows, including Bespoke Bodies, a session hosted by ABC science broadcaster Robyn Williams that explores breakthroughs in regenerative medicine helping our bodies keep pace as we live longer.
What’s on at the QUT Street Science tent?
Good driver? New driver? Never driven?
No driver’s licence is needed to get behind the wheel of the QUT CARRS-Q portable driving simulator. Visitors can test their skills and reactions in a variety of situations and road conditions, from torrential rain to encountering a rogue kangaroo. Drivers’ efforts will be streamed on the big screen to entertain – and educate – those waiting in line.
Formulate Pharmacy Fun
Put your senses to the test to formulate a pharmaceutical solution to the zombie apocalypse! Dr Yasmin Antwertinger and Dr Esther Lau from the Faculty of Health will explain what goes into making medicines while visitors can sniff scents that may make pills palatable (even for pets!). Watch effervescence and tiny aquatic crustacean testers in action, and learn how to mix a protective lip balm to kiss goodbye to those pesky zombies.
Holy strawberries Batman, I’m in a jam!
Join our biomedical students and mash up some frozen strawberries to see the plant’s DNA. Find out just how easy it is to extract DNA and learn how to do it at home yourself.
Wearable Health
Planning to soak up some festival sunshine? Faculty of Health research fellow Dr Elke Hacker will be handing out free sunscreen and UV skin stickers that are part of her research into how long sunscreen lasts on the body. Pick up a patch, slap it on and when the sticker turns purple you’ll know it’s time to re-apply. Dr Hacker will also have details about health studies that are seeking participants.
Cool and Covered
Step right up and take a spin on our interactive fabric wheel for fashionable sun protection. Discover how much light and UV penetrates through fabrics of different colours and weaves. Maybe that broadbrim hat is not giving you the cover from the sun’s harmful rays that you think it is! The fabric wheel is a collaboration between Louise Baldwin from the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and Dean Brough of the Creative Industries Faculty. After your spin, learn more from Sunny the UV Educator.
Cool Runnings
Find out more about the innovative free app Cool Runnings developed with iPug by Dr Leila Cuttle from the Faculty of Health, who researches burns prevention and first aid in children.
The app explains some of the common burn hazards for kids, such as two-minute noodles spilt from the microwave, and an inviting sandpit that may actually be hotter than an oven. The best first aid burns treatment Dr Cuttle has discovered is cool running water – for a full 20 minutes – to help burns heal faster with less scarring and need for surgery or time in a hospital.
