Oct. 26, 2014
TELUS Spark Science Centre: Monster Mash-up 2014
Just before Halloween children and parents alike were shown the wonderful and spooky world of parasites. Members of the Host Parasite Interactions (HPI) program were once again part of the Hallowe’en Monster Mash Up at the TELUS Spark Science Centre, on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th October. University of Calgary graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty put on an interactive and engaging display incorporating new and exciting pieces crammed with cool science facts. As part of the promotion for the event, HPI trainee, Dr. Janneke Wit was interviewed by CTV and appeared on CTV Morning Live (watch interview).
The 4,000 visitors explored all facets of the parasitic world; from the zombie-ant creating Dicroceloium dendriticum to the vampiric blood feeders, which include ticks, fleas and hookworms. On display were fascinating parasitic lifecycles, their unique and varied morphology, life history as well as various techniques used to diagnose infections. The children got to see a range of specimens close-up: tapeworms, roundworms, bed bugs, protozoans and liver flukes. Some required microscopes, some magnifying glasses, some were longer than the children were tall. Huge papier-mâché models of ticks allowed visitors to see the incredible change in size after they attach and feed on a passing animal, or hiker. There were many shouts of “cool” and “gross” from the children, and queasy looks from their parents. Many visitors asked how University of Calgary researchers are studying these parasites and improving livestock, wildlife and human health. HPI trainees enthusiastically provided details of their breakthroughs.
The HPI team was invited by the TELUS Spark team, and is part of an ongoing relationship that includes science cafes, adult science nights and more events in the future. Keep up-to-date with HPI activities through twitter (@HPI_UofC) and the HPI website at www.ucalgary.ca/hpi.
The HPI program is funded through an NSERC CREATE award. It involves the trainees and faculty from University of Calgary’s Faculties of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Medicine and the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health.