How can astronauts have secret conversations in space? Why do your feet go numb in cold water? And why does spicy food set your tongue on fire? Centre of the Cell will be answering these questions and more this half-term.
From 17 – 21 February, Queen Mary University of London’s science education hub in Whitechapel hosts a series of workshops: In the first half of the week the Centre explores the weird and wonderful world of the senses, and in the second half, investigates the power of the human heart.
‘Sensational’ science shows explain how we see, hear, smell, feel and taste. Full of facts and demonstrations, these interactive family workshops explore how cells help us sense, how senses can be confused, and how the body reacts to this confusion.
On Thursday 20 and Friday 21 February Centre of the Cell hosts workshops about how the heart pumps blood around the body. ‘In A Heartbeat’ sessions explain what the heart does and how it’s formed, then explore common diseases of the heart and what you can do to help it stay healthy.
These interactive family events also include entry to the Centre’s cell-shaped Pod, suspended over the laboratories of the Blizard Institute - Queen Mary’s biomedical research facility.
Once inside, visitors can learn about the amazing world of cells, the human body and the latest medical research, and try their hand at virtual experiments, from healing extensive virtual burns to diagnosing cancer using high-power microscopes.
Tickets are £5 for under-16s and concessions, and £7 for ages 16 and over. Under 3s go free. For more information and booking, visit http://centreofthecell.eventbrite.co.uk
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