Education
Introduction
The importance of education and awareness about synthetic biology and Alzheimer's disease extends to people of all age groups. As synthetic biology rapidly becomes a key driver of innovation in medicine, agriculture, and environmental sustainability, it offers tremendous potential for transforming our future. Educating individuals, from children to adults, about these concepts can foster curiosity, critical thinking, and inspire the next generation of leaders and informed citizens. Additionally, raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease promotes empathy, understanding of neurological health, and supports communities in caring for those affected.
By addressing these topics across all age groups, we can empower individuals to contribute to scientific progress while fostering compassion and awareness about the impact of diseases like Alzheimer's. This page highlights our educational efforts, showcasing activities, workshops, and presentations that make synthetic biology and Alzheimer’s disease accessible and engaging for everyone—from young children to adults—through innovative, hands-on learning experiences.
Education Future Generations
The importance of education and awareness on synthetic biology for children of all age groups cannot be overstated. As synthetic biology becomes a rapidly growing field, it holds great potential for innovation in medicine, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Introducing children to these concepts from a young age can spark curiosity, foster critical thinking, and inspire future leaders in science.Equally important is educating children about Alzheimer's disease, as it promotes empathy, awareness, and a deeper understanding of aging and neurological health. By addressing these topics from a young age, we can inspire future generations to contribute to scientific advancements while fostering compassionate attitudes towards those affected by diseases like Alzheimer's.
6th Kindergarten of Patras
Our team, recognizing the need to transmit scientific knowledge to all age groups, including young children, took the initiative to visit the 6th Kindergarten of Patras. There, we presented our team and our purpose, followed by a card game that included basic biology concepts. In this game, the students listened to a story we narrated, filled with everyday events and objects, and matched them with biological concepts. For example, the cell was compared to a worker, and the library to memory. When memory problems were introduced, which happens to patients with Alzheimer’s, this was illustrated as a library becoming blurry. The cards were divided into three categories, each with a different color to enhance the children’s understanding of the biological concepts. We found that this method significantly helped the direct comprehension of complex biology concepts in a simple way.
Next, we played charades with the students, trying to immerse them in understanding concepts related to Alzheimer’s disease in a more experiential way. They had to act out images or situations we showed them, such as an elderly person struggling to remember. We noticed they had fun and enjoyed these playful moments.
Finally, respecting the children's desire for enjoyable learning, we assigned each student a drawing activity, based on images we had shown and mentioned during the presentation and games. For example, they had to draw a small peptide, where the amino acid sequence had specific colors. These drawings, which were created with great joy and enthusiasm by each student, were collected to be displayed in our team’s art exhibition.
23rd Primary School of Patras
Continuing our efforts to teach young children, our team, consisting of three members, presented at the 23rd Primary School of Patras. The interaction with the children was excellent, as we successfully conducted a presentation about our team and our project, which was later evidenced by the students easily completing a related crossword puzzle. The crossword involved concepts mentioned during the presentation, such as the fact that Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder. Both our presentation and the crossword made the students aware of our team's focus in the iGEM competition and provided them with a fun activity that liberated them from the confines of traditional teaching and learning.
Next, we played a card game that included biology-related concepts, followed by an experiment in the classroom aimed at helping students better understand the aforementioned biological concepts and phenomena. The experiment was titled "DNA Isolation from Plant Cells," and the children watched it with great dedication and anticipation for the final result. In a glass, we mashed pieces of banana and then added boiling water. Next, we added a certain amount of dish detergent and a specific amount of salt to the mixture, stirring carefully to avoid forming bubbles. We filtered the resulting mixture using a suitable funnel and collected the filtrate, to which we subsequently added cold ethanol. We emphasized to the children that the ethanol should be poured into our solution at a suitable angle and not directly into it, as this would risk damaging the DNA we aimed to isolate. At the end of the experiment, we observed the formation of two distinct phases in our solution, with the ethanol being the upper layer. In this phase, the children observed the formation of white aggregates with small bubbles, within which the DNA isolated from the banana cells was located. This experiment left all our young students speechless, who subsequently asked us a multitude of questions related to the phenomena occurring during the experiment.
As in the Kindergarten, the children were also assigned to create drawings related to biology, which we displayed at the art exhibition. The creation of these drawings took place in a particularly joyful atmosphere, reflecting the positive impact and high effectiveness of our experiential teaching approach for the young students.
Arsakeio Middle School of Patras
After our visits to two schools, we thought that our teaching journey in society should not end there. Therefore, our team decided to visit the Arsakeio middle school of Patras to carry out this work.
We presented materials related to our team and this year's project, followed by an experiment titled “The Action of the Enzyme Catalase on Hydrogen Peroxide.” It is worth noting that the students watched the experiment with great dedication, as they did with the presentation materials regarding our team's focus. The experiment was divided into two parts: the first part aimed to demonstrate the presence of the enzyme catalase in cells, while the second part examined the effect of temperature changes on enzymes in both animal and plant organisms.
In the first part, we used pieces of raw potato and raw bell pepper, moistening each with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, commonly known as peroxide. The result we observed together with our students was the formation of bubbles on the surface of the potato and the bell pepper that had been moistened. This indicated the presence of functional catalase enzyme in the cells of the potato and bell pepper. In the second part, we used pieces of potato and bell pepper that we had heated in boiling water. We also moistened each of these pieces with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, but this time the result was the absence of bubbles, which surprised the students and made them think about how enzymes function and how they can be deactivated under controlled conditions. The questions the students asked us after the experiment showed the interest and engagement they had throughout both parts of our experiment.
Afterward, we distributed a Synthetic Biology questionnaire to them, which included questions such as "What fields do you think are included in Synthetic Biology?" and "Do genetic and environmental factors play a role in the emergence of a disease?" We then solved a crossword puzzle with them that involved concepts from our project. The questionnaire served as a reflective checkpoint for assessing the knowledge they had gained from our presentation, while the crossword provided a playful way to reinforce the knowledge we shared during our visit.
Finally, we presented material from student laboratory groups conducted by some members of our team at their respective departments, which were the Departments of Biology and Pharmacy at the University of Patras. These photographs showcased both living organisms and microorganisms, as well as physicochemical methods for detecting various substances in biological organisms, such as bacterial cell cultures and Thin Layer Chromatography. The students were amazed by the fact that it is possible to study such organisms, how we can interact with them using chemical reagents, and it sparked their interest in future plans for engaging in the field of science.
Themelio High School of Patras
In order to continue teaching students, we chose to cover the last category of students we had not yet educated, which were the high school students. Keeping this in mind, we visited the Themelio high school of Patras, where we successfully interacted with older students this time and had the opportunity to delve deeper into concepts related to the field of Biology and Alzheimer’s disease.
After presenting our team and our project to them, we followed up with a crossword puzzle containing concepts from our project to assess the students' understanding of the concepts and biological phenomena. They demonstrated that their level of understanding was the highest possible.
We also distributed the Synthetic Biology questionnaire here, aiming to assess the students’ knowledge and responses to biological concepts, concepts of synthetic biology, and those related to Alzheimer’s disease.
During this visit, we again conducted the experiment titled “The Action of the Enzyme Catalase on Hydrogen Peroxide,” where we were once again impressed by the students’ interest in the phenomenon they observed.
Promoting "Lethe" Project at Medical Conference
With the aim of promoting Synthetic Biology and our scientific knowledge regarding Alzheimer’s disease, we delivered a presentation at the 50th Annual Panhellenic Medical Conference.
At this conference, we presented our therapeutic approach to the disease and analyzed the steps involved in the experimental process for designing our pharmaceutical regimen. The audience was impressed by how we designed our therapeutic product using exosomes combined with the AAV virus and microRNA-195, as evidenced by the multitude of questions we received at the end of our presentation. We also informed the attendees about the pathophysiology of the disease, epidemiological statistics, and symptoms throughout its progression. A small part of our talk was dedicated to Synthetic Biology, where we analyzed the scientific fields it encompasses and its applications in everyday life. Our goal of informing the conference audience—both scientific and non-scientific—and our effort to convey complex information related to Synthetic Biology and our project was fully achieved.
In conclusion, our presentation at the 50th Annual Panhellenic Medical Conference was successful, as we managed to promote Synthetic Biology and our therapeutic approach for Alzheimer’s disease. The positive response from the audience and the numerous questions confirmed the effectiveness of our presentation and the need for further information regarding innovative therapies.
Raising Awareness at TEDxAUTH
One of the highlights of our outreach efforts was our participation in TEDxAUTH, a prestigious event that draws in a diverse audience, providing us with the perfect opportunity to spread awareness and foster meaningful discussions.
During the event, we actively engaged with attendees to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and we introduced them to our project “Lethe”, explaining how Synthetic Biology can offer novel solutions for treating such neurodegenerative diseases. Many were unfamiliar with the capabilities of synthetic biology, and this provided an exciting opportunity for us to showcase the power of this emerging field in addressing real-world challenges.
To measure the effectiveness of our outreach and to better understand the public’s knowledge, we conducted surveys asking attendees about their familiarity with Synthetic Biology and Alzheimer's disease. The feedback from these questionnaires was invaluable. It helped us gauge the level of public understanding, identify misconceptions, and tailor our communication strategies to address any knowledge gaps. Many people expressed a newfound appreciation for the role synthetic biology could play in tackling complex diseases like Alzheimer's, a testament to the impact of our efforts.
Moreover, we took the opportunity to introduce the attendees to iGEM, as we explained how this platform has encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and creativity in the life sciences. Our goal was not just to educate but to inspire future involvement in scientific projects and empower people to think about the future of healthcare and biotechnology.
Overall, our participation in TEDxAUTH allowed us to significantly raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and synthetic biology, while also receiving valuable feedback from the public. The experience reinforced our belief in the importance of education and communication in advancing scientific knowledge, and we are proud of the impact our engagement had on sparking curiosity and deepening understanding among a broader audience.
Blood Donation Day at University of Patras
Expressing our desire to inform the public about the need for blood and organ donation in situations where it is deemed necessary, and recognizing the need for communication and collaboration with other scientific teams, we organized a blood donation day at the University of Patras in collaboration with the "Fleva Zois" team, which is also a student organization of our university.
On that day, voluntary blood donation was carried out by individuals who came to the university to give blood. After completing the blood donation process, the volunteer donors filled out a questionnaire designed by our team, which addressed both blood donation and Synthetic Biology. Examples of questions included: "What are the fields encompassed by Synthetic Biology and what is its object?" and "How do you perceive the process of blood donation and donation in general?" The purpose of the questionnaire was to assess how aware the public is of the necessity of blood and organ donation, a critical issue of our time, and to encourage them to reflect on the importance of helping others.At the same time, once each volunteer donor completed the questionnaire, we presented information about the necessity of blood and organ donation for medical purposes. It became clear that the donors fully understood the significance of this contribution, which optimally demonstrates the success of our efforts to raise awareness on this specific issue.
In conclusion, the blood donation day at the University of Patras, in collaboration with the "Fleva Zois" group, succeeded in raising public awareness about blood and organ donation. Through the questionnaire and the presentation, the volunteers gained knowledge about the importance of helping others. The positive response from participants confirmed the success of our initiative, promoting a culture of solidarity and social responsibility.
Project "Lethe" at UPFM Radio
As part of our commitment to making Synthetic Biology and science accessible to all, we visited the University of Patras' radio station, UPFM, for an engaging and insightful interview. This initiative was a key part of our outreach efforts, as we aimed to spread knowledge about Synthetic Biology, Alzheimer's disease, and our therapeutic project using a medium that is affordable and accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Radio, being an inclusive platform, allowed us to reach a diverse audience, including individuals who might not have access to more expensive forms of media like the internet or paid scientific resources. Through UPFM, we were able to engage people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring that no one was left out of the important conversations surrounding science and health. Moreover, the live format of the interview enabled us to interact with listeners in real-time, answering their questions and encouraging active participation, which created a more interactive and inclusive learning experience.
Additionally, radio is often favored by older generations, providing a familiar space for them to engage with the latest scientific advancements. This allowed us to bridge the generational gap by helping older adults understand how new developments in Synthetic Biology, including potential Alzheimer's therapies, could directly benefit them. It also helped alleviate fears and uncertainties around new technologies. At the same time, radio is a trusted medium for younger audiences, such as children who may listen while riding in the car with their parents. This helps spark curiosity in younger listeners and encourages further exploration into the fields of science and Synthetic Biology.
Through this interview, we successfully reached a wide range of listeners - from students to the elderly, and from different socio-economic backgrounds - promoting inclusivity and raising awareness about our therapeutic project and the exciting field of Synthetic Biology.
A Child's Fairy Tale on Alzheimer's
In addition to our efforts in raising awareness among the general public, we recognized the importance of addressing children, a sensitive social group that requires special attention when explaining complex issues like Alzheimer's disease. To achieve this, we created a fairy tale. This heartwarming story unfolds the journey of a grandmother and her granddaughter as they face the challenges of the disease together, navigating many new adventures to preserve and strengthen their bond.
What makes this fairy tale truly remarkable is that it was written by Maria Lleshi, an 11-year-old child who experienced the effects of Alzheimer’s firsthand, as her grandmother suffered from the disease. Through her words, Maria vividly captures the emotions of a child confronting the confusing and painful reality of a loved one’s memory loss. Her unique perspective brings to life the struggles and emotions that children experience in such situations. We hope this story will inspire other children to approach similar challenges with empathy, patience, and understanding.
To reach an even broader audience, the fairy tale is also available in audiobook format, making it accessible to children with vision impairments and promoting inclusivity and equality in access to information. Through Maria's heartfelt story, which teaches that love and patience can help overcome even the toughest moments, we aim to encourage children to show greater compassion and kindness toward those affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Bridging Knowledge about Synthetic Biology and Alzheimer's
In order to share our knowledge about Synthetic Biology with the broader public and various social groups, we have developed a comprehensive guide detailing our project "Lethe", fundamental biological concepts, and a guide for appropriate laboratory behavior and dress code. Our goal is to convey knowledge about this cutting-edge field in a manner that is clear and accessible to a wide audience. The guides aim to simplify Synthetic Biology by explaining scientific concepts and fundamental biological ideas and techniques relevant to synthetic biology and our project with an easier way to be understood, and promote all the scientific topics that our projects includes. Also, it aims to educate individuals with various educational backgrounds.
The first guide titled "Project Description Guide and Explanation of Basic Concepts" presents a concise and comprehensive overview of our research design for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. It focuses on the important points of our experiment in a detailed, simple, and easily understandable manner for all readers, even those without specialized medical and biological knowledge. It also explains key concepts mentioned during the analysis of our research approach. Through this guide, we hope to facilitate the understanding of our research steps towards developing an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
The second guide titled "Guide for the personal safety of research laboratory workers and the safe conduct of experiments" provides a brief overview of the basic safety rules that need to be observed in each research laboratory. It is written in simple language with easy to understand content for a wide range of readers. These rules emphasize general behaviour and the correct use of equipment but also on the personal protection of workers in order to reduce the risk of injury and to achieve the greatest possible safety in the laboratory. Also, it contains specific instructions about biological, chemical and electrical safety, as well as on the safe use of specialised infrastructures such as laser systems. The aim of this guide is to provide an integrated approach to ensuring a safe laboratory environment, covering all possible sources of risk that may arise during the conduct of research experiments and procedures.
You can find our Project Guides here…
- Project Guide (Turkish)
- Project Guide (English)
- Project Guide (Braille)
- Project Guide (Albanian)
- Project Guide (Greek)
You can find our Safety Guides here…
- Safety Guide (Turkish)
- Safety Guide (English)
- Safety Guide (Braille)
- Safety Guide (Albanian)
- Safety Guide (Greek)
Additionally, wanting to share our knowledge about the rules of proper behavior towards individuals with mental disorders, we have written a guide for this purpose. The guide titled «Guide to good behavior towards people with memory disorders» contains some general behavioral instructions for the general population, in case of contact with people who face mental and motor difficulties, in order to ensure smooth communication between them. It also provides some tips useful to people who have taken on the responsibility of continuous care and protection of people with mental disorders, and it presents the characteristics that the appropriate space in which the Patients will live and move, offering them peace and stability, must have.
You can find our Behavior Guides here…
In summary, our project "Lethe" serves as a pivotal initiative to bridge the gap between advanced scientific knowledge and the broader community. By developing simplified guides that detail our research in Synthetic Biology, laboratory safety, and ethical interactions with individuals affected by memory disorders, we aim to foster understanding and promote education in the society.
Educational Activities for Young Scientists
In our effort to promote our knowledge of Synthetic Biology and present our project to a broad audience, we participated in the "Researchers' Night" event. During the event, we focused our attention on young children aged 3 to 18, as they comprised the majority of attendees. To engage their interest, we organized a game with three categories of cards that likened concepts from Synthetic Biology and Alzheimer’s to everyday phenomena. In this game, students listened to an oral story from us that included facts and objects from daily life, and they matched them with biological concepts. We found that this approach helped in the direct understanding of complex biological ideas in a simple manner.
Additionally, wanting to entertain our young visitors, we gave them the opportunity to create DNA, a brain, and a cell using modeling clay. We had first made these models ourselves so they could see the shapes and then attempt to replicate them. We noticed that most children, while crafting these models, gained an even greater understanding of what these specific entities are and what roles they play within the human body.
Finally, we conducted the experiment "Isolation of DNA from Plant Cells," aiming to impress the children by helping them grasp the magic of Synthetic Biology and all the biological phenomena and concepts they encountered during the card game. In a glass, we mashed pieces of banana and then added boiling water. Next, we added a specific amount of dish detergent and a certain amount of salt, stirring carefully to avoid the formation of bubbles. The resulting mixture was filtered through an appropriate funnel, and we collected the filtrate, to which we then added cold ethanol at an appropriate angle. At the end of our experiment, what we observed in our solution was the formation of two distinct phases, with one being the ethanol on top. In this phase, the children observed the formation of white clumps with small bubbles, within which was the DNA isolated from the banana cells. This experiment left all our young observers speechless, and they subsequently bombarded us with a plethora of their own questions related to the phenomena occurring during the experiment.
In conclusion, the Researchers' Night provided us with the opportunity to promote our knowledge of Synthetic Biology and Alzheimer’s to young children, aiming to cultivate their interest in pursuing these scientific fields in the future while helping them understand complex concepts and biological phenomena in a simple and comprehensible way suitable for their age. This was also the goal of the Researchers' Night: to make young children feel like researchers to the greatest extent possible.
