Parts:Education
Project Overview:Origin and Core Objectives
Arsenic pollution poses a serious threat to soil, water sources and human health, while traditional detection methods have limitations such as complex operations and high costs. The dual-cell detection system based on the hierarchical fluorescent signal mechanism, with the biosensor principle as its core, has the advantages of rapid, accurate and low-cost detection, providing an innovative solution for arsenic pollution detection. Our tasks are twofold: first, to optimize and verify the practicality of the dual-cell detection system to provide technical support for arsenic pollution detection; second, to popularize the hazards of arsenic pollution and innovative detection technologies through multi-dimensional science popularization activities, so as to enhance the public's awareness of environmental protection and health.
Online Warm-up
Science Popularization on WeChat Official Account during Winter Vacation To help more people learn about the relevant content of the iGEM competition and biological knowledge, we created the HUBU SKY WeChat Official Account to carry out science popularization work. The content covers basic biological knowledge, latest hot topics, environmental protection public welfare and other aspects. Up to now, it has gained more than 150 followers and a total reading volume of over 47,000. With diversified traffic sources and a diverse fan base, it has a certain social influence.
Preliminary Research: Questionnaire-Driven Demand Exploration
We designed and distributed online and offline questionnaires, with survey respondents covering college teachers and students, senior high school students, community residents, and more. The core questions include: the level of understanding of the hazards of arsenic pollution, whether they pay attention to arsenic pollution in the surrounding environment, the cognitive pain points of traditional detection technologies, the demand directions for rapid detection technologies (such as detection speed, cost, portability), and preferred forms of science popularization. Through data analysis, we identified the public's core needs for arsenic pollution science popularization, and at the same time collected application suggestions for technologies in different scenarios, providing a scientific basis for the further promotion and implementation of the project.
Campus Lectures: Popular Science on Arsenic Pollution and Environmental Protection in Universities and Senior High Schools (May 9)
We delivered lectures to biology majors in universities and senior high school students. Starting with the arsenic pollution case in Huangshi Industrial Zone, we intuitively demonstrated the environmental impacts and health risks caused by arsenic pollution. Subsequently, we focused on explaining the dual-cell detection system based on the hierarchical fluorescent signal mechanism: starting from the basic principle of biosensors, we elaborated on how the two types of cells work in a coordinated manner to respond to arsenic ions, and how qualitative and semi-quantitative detection is achieved through the hierarchical changes of fluorescent signals. By comparing it with traditional detection technologies, we highlighted its innovative value. Finally, an interactive Q&A session was set up to answer students' questions regarding technical principles and application scenarios.
Experience Exchange: Special Collaboration with Wuhan University (May 10)
We conducted an exchange with the special project team of Wuhan University. Our team introduced the cell-based biosensor, including the mechanism by which cells exhibit fluorescence under specific conditions (utilizing cells' natural response to arsenic and genetic engineering modification), as well as the application needs collected in the preliminary research and feedback from campus lectures. The other team shared their method of using engineered bacteria to replace electrical signals, constructing a biological calculator with biosensors, and connecting adders via "biological wires". Both parties held in-depth discussions on issues such as improving stability, controlling costs, and adapting to existing detection systems during the technology implementation process, and clarified the direction for subsequent technical improvements.
Offline Interaction: "Green Fun Stamp Collection Tour" Environmental Protection Stall Activity (June 18)
Two major stalls were set up: the "Arsenic Pollution Popular Science Area" and the "Technology Interaction Area". In the Popular Science Area, knowledge on arsenic pollution prevention was popularized through display boards and brochures; in the Technology Interaction Area, a simplified model of the dual-cell detection system was exhibited, and a puzzle game of "simulating signal changes with fluorescent cards" was used to help participants intuitively understand the principle of hierarchical fluorescence detection. Participants could collect stamps by completing tasks such as popular science quizzes and model interactions, and exchange them for environmental protection souvenirs. At the same time, on-site feedback from the public regarding the detection technology was collected to expand the project's influence.
Volunteer Science Popularization in Support of Education: Shennongjia Environmental Protection Education Volunteer Activity (July 15)
Environmental protection education was carried out at the summer love custody class in Taoping Village, Shennongjia. Together with the "Runyu Shenghua" volunteer teaching group, and combining with the characteristics of the local ecological environment, we moved the summer class into the "Earth Laboratory" and launched an environmental protection-themed lecture titled "Arsenic Pollution and Little Guardians of the Earth". The dual-cell detection method was introduced through animated short films, and sessions such as having children draw the arsenic pollution they imagined were arranged to deepen their understanding of pollution and enhance their environmental protection awareness. After the class, students were encouraged to pass on knowledge about arsenic pollution prevention and environmental protection to their families, realizing the popularization of science at the grassroots level.
On-Site Visit: Investigation in Huangshi Industrial Zone and Popular Science for Residents
We went to Huangshi Industrial Zone to conduct on-site surveys of potential arsenic pollution risk points in soil and water sources. Subsequently, popular science activities were held in the surrounding communities: detection data was used to explain the regional pollution situation to residents, and the impact of arsenic pollution on drinking water and agricultural crops was elaborated; the biosensor principle of the detection system was explained in a simple way through graphic posters, helping residents understand the role of rapid detection technology in ensuring the safety of the living environment.
Project Summary: Achievements and Prospects
Achievements: In terms of technology, the practical scenario testing of the dual-cell detection system was completed, and the stability and recognition accuracy of the hierarchical fluorescent signal were optimized; in terms of popular science, the public's awareness of arsenic pollution and innovative detection technologies was significantly improved through channels such as official accounts, lectures, and offline activities; a complete set of project materials including research data, technical optimization reports, and popular science achievement collections was formed. However, it is still necessary to further cooperate with scientific research institutions to improve the detection system, promote its upgrading towards portability and low cost, and explore the possibility of cooperating with environmental protection departments for implementation; continue to expand the coverage of popular science, create a series of short video content in combination with new media platforms, and realize the long-term development of arsenic pollution popular science and technology promotion.