Description
Discover the fascinating world of molecules that surround us – from the air we breathe to the delicious sweets we enjoy! At the Long Night of Science at the Chair of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, exciting events await you, all centered around the world of molecules and their incredible applications in everyday life. There’s so much to marvel at, explore, and discover – all in a fun, interactive way!
Design the Ground:
How can we stop bacteria before they take hold on dental crown?
Submicron- and nanoscale surface structures can prevent bacteria from "finding" and docking itself to materials in the mouth and beyond- even before they form harmful biofilms. We show how we literally "write" chemical surface patterns (biphasic nano-textures) and combinations of charge and surface topography to uncover how bacteria "dock" onto materials.
Damping the noise and Ensuring silence: How moths escape the biosonar of bats:
In the nightly game of hide-and-seek between predator and prey, moths have evolved a remarkable survival trick: acoustic stealth.
Certain moth species use specialized wing and scale structures to dampen sound reflections, effectively hiding from the echolocation calls of hunting bats. By understanding these natural "acoustic camouflage" strategies, we will show you new inspiration of sound absorption-potentially inspiring future noise-reducing materials and technologies.
SweetSense: Detecting Sugar with Electrochemical Sensors:
Sugar detection meets cutting-edge science! In this interactive activity, we’ll show you how electrochemical sensors can measure the sugar content in various beverages. Explore how this technology works and understand how scientists use it to study everything from food science to medical/dentistry applications. It’s a sweet way to learn about the intersection of chemistry, technology, and everyday life!
NanoSweets: The Science of Cotton Candy Fibers:
Ever wondered what cotton candy and nanofibers have in common? Join us for a sweet exploration into the world of material science as we use cotton candy to demonstrate the creation of nanofibers. Watch as sugar transforms into delicate fibers and learn how these tiny structures are similar to the cutting-edge materials scientists work with every day. A fun, hands-on activity where science meets sweetness!
The Digital Nose: What’s in Your Cup?
Get ready to meet our digital nose! This smart sensor can “sniff” drinks just like you do—but even better! Whether it’s coffee, tea, juice, or soda, our electronic nose can tell them apart just by analyzing their smell. Explore how science and nanotechnology come together to identify what's in your cup without tasting it. Can you guess the drink faster than the sensor? This fun experiment brings chemistry, physics, and a bit of magic into one sniff!
Sense & Cut: Design Your Own Sensor:
Become a young scientist and engineer! In this hands-on activity, you’ll design your very own gas sensor on a computer, then watch as a laser cutter brings it to life. Just like superheroes have gadgets, you’ll have your own real sensor that can help “smell” the air. Learn how technology and creativity combine in real science labs to fight pollution, improve safety, and explore the invisible world around us!
Nose 2.0: The Digital Way to Smell:
Step into the future with our upgraded electronic nose, Nose 2.0! This cool spinning device is powered by nanotechnology and can “sniff out” chemicals just like your real nose. Learn how scientists mimic the human sense of smell using tiny materials and advanced electronics. Watch in awe as this rotating device analyzes scents using different channels, just like your nose uses different smell receptors. It’s not just smart, it’s a whole new way to smell the world!
Trace Trackers: The Robot Scent Squad:
Meet our robot dog with a nose for adventure! In this exciting demo, you'll see how robots can track down invisible scent trails, just like police dogs or superheroes. Using built-in sensors and smart navigation, our robot can follow odors to their source. Learn how scientists use this technology for rescue missions, detecting gas leaks, or even finding missing cookies! Kids can watch the robot in action and maybe even help it on its next sniffing mission.
3D printing: From design to printed part in minutes:
Have you ever wanted to turn your drawings into real objects? Now you can! In this workshop, you’ll create your own sensor device or fun design and watch as a 3D printer builds it layer by layer, right before your eyes! Discover how engineers and scientists use 3D printing to build tools, prototypes, and cool gadgets in minutes. It’s art, science, and imagination all rolled into one. You dream it, we print it!
The molecular wonders of odors: Build your own odor molecule!
Odors are everywhere around us! But have you ever wondered, what an odor actually is and what it looks like? Smell odors and build the odor molecules yourself! You can take the molecules home with you in form of a button! So, come over: smell, build and take home your button!
Goal-or-Go: The Hydrogen Challenge!
Hydrogen has significant potential as a clean and sustainable energy source. However, it presents important challenges due to its tiny size. How can we store and transport the smallest molecule in the universe? Join us and score a goal in our H2 permeability game.
Odor Memory Game:
“The Nose Remembers” challenges you to test and refine your olfactory memory. Try to allocate the scent emited by a sniffing stick and to find the matching picture card. This offers a funny and unique way to explore the often-overlooked power of olfactory memory.
For Kids and Adults:
Whether you’re young or just young at heart – the events offer something for everyone. Embark on an exciting journey of discovery and experience firsthand how science and technology influence our everyday lives. Together, we’ll research, marvel, and learn – that’s the Long Night of Science!
