●Science popularization mini-class

This year, our educational initiatives have made significant strides in engaging children. On the afternoon of May 22, the WHU iGEM team members came to the First Affiliated Primary School of Wuhan University and brought 1 interesting biology science class to the curious children.

The focus of this year's WHU iGEM's science class is the genetic code of life—DNA. The team members began by explaining the concept and composition of DNA, using illustrations to demonstrate its role within the cell. The team members introduced some typical trait differences controlled by DNA, such as single and double eyelids, earlobes, and whether the thumb can be bent.By comparing their own traits with those of their classmates, the children came to understand the influence and diversity that DNA, as a genetic code, exerts on physical characteristics. Following this, our team members delved into the development, applications, and future of genetic engineering, helping the children to appreciate the significance of gene editing as a key biological technology.

Following the science introduction, the session moved on to the hands-on activity that the children were most excited about. To enhance the children's understanding of DNA's structure, we provided them with modeling clay and sticks, encouraging them to study a DNA structure diagram and construct their own DNA models.

As the students were enthusiastically crafting their models, our team noticed a common oversight: many of the children, after observing the diagram, created flat models with intersecting strands. Yet, once the team highlighted DNA's three-dimensional nature and the importance of perspective in the diagram, the perceptive children quickly grasped the actual structure of DNA and successfully built accurate anti-parallel double helix models.

The children's boundless curiosity and passion for the purest form of science deeply touched the WHU iGEM team members. We presented the children with a unique cultural creation, designed by the WHU iGEM team.To conclude the exhilarating class, the children proudly held their meticulously crafted DNA models for a group photo with the team members, capturing a memorable end to the session. Childlike innocence to see the world, may curiosity and the spirit of exploration be with you forever!

●View more in WHU-China subscription

●High school outreach group

This year, the WHU-China team members continue their travels, introducing synthetic biology and the team's projects to high school students across various regions. It is worth mentioning that this year's education work not only covers major cities in China's east, west, north, and south regions but also across the country, carrying out exchange and publicity activities in Malaysia.

Engage with young students to hear their diverse, creative, and curious voices and aspirations. We hope that our activities will sow the seeds of synthetic biology, inspiring them to explore and innovate within this field.

●Genetic engineering questionnaire and information posters

To gauge public comprehension and attitudes toward genetic engineering and to foster the spread of synthetic biology knowledge, WHU-China crafted a comprehensive questionnaire and a set of informative standing posters.

The questionnaire targets individuals from diverse industries and backgrounds, primarily assessing their awareness and endorsement of fundamental genetic engineering concepts, as well as their understanding of intestinal health basics.

At various exchange gatherings, we will also deploy standing posters to conduct more vivid project promotion. Utilizing cartoon imagery, the intricacies of synthetic biology are brought to life, making the subject more accessible and engaging for the public.

●Synthetic biology course

The implementation of the iBSRC course for university students and the SLI Workshop course for high school students was headed by ZQT-Nanjing and JLU-NBBMS respectively. WHU-China was one of the main lecturing teams in both of these courses, guiding students from both universities and high schools through the fundamental theories and applications of synthetic biology. Remarkably, those who finished the iBSRC course received completion certificates, which served as formal records of their participation in the academic attempt.

Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN)

In August 2024, WHU-iGEM, representing Wuhan University, participated in an international seminar titled "Applications and Safety of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917," alongside teams from Peking University, Nanjing University of Technology, Hubei University, the University of Science and Technology of China, Lanzhou University, and Guangxi University. The seminar aimed to bring together organizations, teams, and individuals worldwide who are engaged in in-depth research and practical applications ofEscherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and future directions in scientific research and applications.

Discussions centered on topics such as the characteristics of the EcN strain, protein expression, relevant modifications, and application prospects. Based on the existing research and discussions, the goal is to collaboratively draft a comprehensive white paper on the EcN strain, which will provide valuable references and guidance for global researchers and practitioners using EcN. This initiative aims to promote the development of EcN research and applications, ultimately contributing to human health. The WHU-iGEM team also summarized our experiences with EcN by writing a chapter titled "Comparison of Some Bacterial Therapeutic Modifications and ECN." This chapter compares the advantages and disadvantages of engineered bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and microalgae with EcN, offering useful guidance for synthetic biology users regarding the selection of bacterial strains.

●Download E.coli Nissle 1917 White Paper