We focus on the construction and application of the red light-induced nanobody production system, with the core of "popular science on tumor knowledge + communication of project value". Based on the pain point of the public's weak knowledge of tumors identified in the preliminary research (among the 40-50 age group, a high-risk population for tumors, 50.44% "have little understanding" of tumors and 89.52% believe that early-stage tumors are not easy to detect), it designs and implements multi-dimensional educational activities covering audiences of different age groups. At the same time, the project is optimized through cross-team communication.
Figure 1 Education mind map
1.People who participated in the questionnaire come from different age groups, with the highest proportion (29.17%) in the 40-50 age group, which is also the age group with a high incidence of cancer.
Figure 2 age
2.However, we found that even though the majority of the questionnaires were from the age group with a high incidence of cancer, the proportion of people who were "not very familiar" with tumors was the highest, reaching 50.44% (287 people), and more than half of the population were "not very familiar" with tumors, reflecting the public has a low level of knowledge about the tumor-related information and there is ample room for popular science education. This indicates that our education activities are very necessary.
Figure 3 familiar with tumors
1. Social media
Rednote
Process
During the implementation of the project, we created the Rednote account OptoNano, with the core objective of popularizing tumor knowledge and promoting the "red light-induced nanobody production system" at the same time. In the initial stage of operation, we focused on popularizing knowledge about tumors and conveying the project's concept. Through the "Interesting Tumor Facts" series, we used engaging expressions to break down information such as tumor pathogenesis and its relationship with diet, lowering the barrier to professional knowledge; Meanwhile, we released popular science posts titled "Secrets of Cancer Prevention and Treatment", sorting out what cancer is and information related to cancer prevention.
Figure 4 Rednote
Feedback
Up to now, nine posts have been published, the "Interesting Tumor Facts" post has received over 100 views, and "Lighting Up New Hopes for Anti-Cancer with Red Light" has gained 20 likes, In total, the posts have accumulated hundreds of views and dozens of interactions.There are many users inquiring about technical details, positive feedback on tumor popular science in the comment section, and it also has attracted the attention of partners interested in synthetic biology and tumor research.
Conclusion
Through Rednote, we have achieved the initial goal of popularizing tumor-related knowledge to the public and conveying the project's value. For the next step, we plan to deepen technical interpretation, share research updates, continuously expand the influence of the project, and connect more groups concerned with innovative tumor treatments.
Bilibili
Process
In the course of the project, we set up the official OptoNano account on Bilibili as the external window for the iGEM team (focusing on the construction and application of the red-light-induced nanobody production system). The initial goal was to convey the project's core through concise content, accumulate basic cognition and facilitate communication. We are currently trying two types of basic content around the "Red light-induced nanobody" project: first, exchanges from a scientific research perspective, such as releasing "An interview with Professor from Nanjing Medical University", focusing on how the red light-induced system is adapted to the characteristics of nanobodies and the potential challenges from laboratory to application. Second, the team was associated with the competition by uploading the "OptoNano × iGEM" label video, using short images to connect with the background of the iGEM international competition, indicating that the team was a student research force exploring the innovative application of red-light-induced nanobody through the synthetic biology competition, laying the "competition + technology" dual thread for the subsequent content.
Figure 5 Bilibili
Feedback
We have posted 3 videos, with a total of 36 views, 3 followers, 3 likes, and 1 interactive comment in the comment section - "Want to know how red light precisely regulates nanobodies!" It confirmed the public's curiosity about the cross-application of light and antibodies; At the same time, a student majored biology sent a private message, asking about the details of iGEM participation, which initially realized the dual value of "technology popularization + team connection".
Conclusion
As a "preliminary attempt" on Bilibili for the iGEM project, the account, though not widely spread, has become a small platform for "recording scientific research explorations and screening interested audiences" : the interview videos have accumulated the academic community's thoughts on the application of technology, while the iGEM identification videos have clarified the team's identity, and anchoring the subsequent content in a parallel direction of "professional dialogue + popular science dissection".
Online interview
Overview
To further explore the scientific research value and innovation highlights of the project "Construction and Application of Red Light-Induced Nanobody Production System" in the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) and to build a platform for the exchange of biotechnology knowledge, we conducted this online interview activity.
Process
We invited a member of our team as the host, and four other members of the dry team and one of the wet team as our special guests. Centering on the introduction to the iGEM competition, the project team, popular science on early symptoms of cancer, prevention and control measures, as well as technical principles, we adopted the form of an online interview to elaborate on knowledge related to the competition and popularize tumor-related information.
Here are some of the questions presented
1. Please introduce the iGEM activity
2. Could you please introduce your project
3.Could you please popularize the early symptoms of tumors for us
4. Could you please explain what the differences are between Red light induction and other induction techniques
5. Could you please describe the difficulties encountered in the experiment and how they were overcome
Feedback
This online interview attracted many people to participate simultaneously. The audience showed praise in the live stream, achieving a deep connection between scientific research results and the public, helping more people understand the latest developments in synthetic biology and stimulating enthusiasm for exploring biotechnology.
Reflection
The online interview activity has achieved good results overall,
but there is still room for optimization. When organizing similar activities in the future, we can draw on the strengths of this activity,
make improvements targeting its shortcomings, and further optimize personnel allocation, content design, and interaction formats. For content,
we should incorporate more elements related to synthetic biology. For interaction formats, we can encourage the audience to type their questions in
the comment section to stimulate engagement. Meanwhile, we need to establish a long-term mechanism for content dissemination and interaction, such as
conducting regular live broadcasts on a fixed schedule. This will enable more sustained and in-depth dissemination of biotechnology knowledge, contributing
to the popularization of synthetic biology knowledge and the promotion of our project.
Figure 6 online interview
Figure 7 online interview
Production of communication materials
Background
We asked respondents in the questionnaire, "Do you think tumors are easy to detect at an early stage?" Among them, 89.52 percent answered "No".It can be seen from this that the public thinks early-stage tumors are not easy to detect, and thus they may not know much about early prevention.Therefore,we created a three-page comic that popularizes what tumors are, which bad habits can cause tumors, and how to prevent them.
Figure 8 detect
Comic
Our comic uses simple and easy-to-understand language to carry out popular science around three core questions: "What is a tumor?", "Which habits can cause tumors?" and "How to prevent tumors", helping the public quickly establish a basic understanding of tumors.
First, the comic clarifies the essence of tumors. Then, it focuses on listing unhealthy habits that are likely to cause tumors, such as smoking, excessive drinking, frequent staying up late, and being in a state of high stress or easy anger for a long time. It explains that these habits will continuously damage the body's cells, and long-term accumulation may lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and eventually the formation of tumors, so as to remind the public to be alert to the potential hazards of bad behaviors. Finally, the comic provides practical suggestions for tumor prevention, with the core being adhering to a healthy lifestyle: eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and ensuring adequate sleep; avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption; doing a good job in sun protection to protect the skin; and maintaining a happy and relaxed mood. At the same time, it specially emphasizes the importance of regular health check-ups to help detect health problems as early as possible, and points out that "small good habits can have a significant impact on health", conveying the positive concept that "tumors are preventable".
Figure 9 comic
Figure 10 comic
Figure 11 comic
Project communication
Introduction
We were deeply aware of the limitations of working in isolation, so we reached out to the Beijing Institute of Technology team for a project communication.
Process
During the communication, our project presented the current status, public awareness of the red light-induced system technology, project advantages and highlights, and future prospects.
The iGEM team from Beijing Institute of Technology presented the details of their project, explaining the principles and results of their experiments.
We conducted in-depth learning and experience exchange with each other.The team from BIT provided some suggestions for the commercialization of our project and the design of the presentation, and we also provided ideas for their IHP path.
Reflection
Overall, this in-depth exchange of ideas and feedback was of great value. It not only promoted the optimization of each other's projects but also brought new ideas and perspectives for solving complex problems. As a result, we will focus more on optimizing the commercialization path in our subsequent project arrangements and add market analysis in the entrepreneurship section for detailed market analysis. We will also present our commercialization path in detail in the presentation section.
Figure 12 Project communication
We have adopted different educational formats for different age groups. For the younger age group, we used comics. For college students, we used communication. For the older age group, we use live-streamed popular science.
In terms of comics, we used three pages of comics to popularize what tumors are? What behaviors cause tumors and how to prevent them.
In terms of communication, we first introduced topics and conducted discussion ranging from theoretical knowledge to commercialization. We mainly analyzed the commercialization aspect of the product, including product advantages and promotion. This is an area that the other team didn't consider. Our presentation really inspired them and made them realize that their product could be considered for commercialization. And perhaps we should probably gain a deeper understanding of the theoretical knowledge related to the research topics.
In the Live streaming, we introduced our research topic, as well as information related to it, such as tumor prevention measures, early symptoms, and induction technologies. The questions we raised were progressive, from simple knowledge at the beginning to more in-depth knowledge about our project.
In summary, through these activities, we have brought more knowledge about synthetic biology and tumor-related information to the public. Moreover, ensured that our project involves all age groups, and in the process of attracting different participants, we have ensured that our project reaches all age groups. In the process of engaging different participants, we have helped the public gain a better understanding of knowledge related to our project. Meanwhile, during the communication process, we have reflected on our project, accepted public feedback, and iterated on it.