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Be Curious: fostering community through research and innovation 

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HELIX Case Studies
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Be Curious is an exciting annual event that connects cutting-edge research at the University with the local community

From molecular biology to heart health and natural disaster science, the event featured dynamic stalls showcasing ground-breaking research and innovative hands-on experiences designed to inspire curiosity and a love for learning among visitors of all ages. On 26th April 2023, HELIX played a key role in bringing the event to life. 

Explore three captivating interactive stalls that are igniting interest and understanding in science and health.

The RiboCode Project stall at BeCurious, it includes 7 staff members with a sign saying 'How are proteins made?'

Hands-On Molecular Biology with the RiboCode Project  

The RiboCode Project participated in the Be Curious event at HELIX, offering an interactive experience in molecular biology. Led by Dr. Tiffany Hicks, Dr. Bulat Fatkhullin, and Dr. Juan Fontana, the event engaged over 180 children through a protein synthesis activity, teaching them how proteins are made using custom laser-cut materials.

Protein Synthesis Activity  

Step 1: Match RNA bases (building blocks) to a simple DNA code.
Step 2: Use a colourful wheel, representing a ribosome (the cell's protein factory), to translate these codes into amino acids (the building blocks of proteins).
Step 3: Create fun protein keyrings as souvenirs.  

RiboCode's Research Focus  

The RiboCode project, funded by a BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council) grant, involves over 20 scientists from three universities. Their goal is to: 

  • Understand how specialised ribosomes control protein production in organisms like yeast, insects, and human cells. 
  • Potentially advance agriculture, biotechnology, and disease treatment through this research.  

HELIX's role in the project  

HELIX provided essential tools for creating durable, educational materials used at the event. The team is also developing a free resource pack for educators to create similar materials.  

Exploring HELIX  

Dr. Hicks described HELIX as a "unique space" fostering innovation. 
Dr. Fatkhullin encouraged others to explore its possibilities, saying, "Book a tour and see what's possible!"  

Read more about the Ribosome Project!

Understanding the Circulatory System  

Dr. Hema Viswambharan, a research fellow at the University of Leeds, focuses on discovering new drug targets to improve cardiovascular health in diabetic patients. She is dedicated to sharing her findings with schoolchildren and the public.  The Understanding Heart Disease: The Power of Healthy Choices stall. It includes two children interacting with a human torso model showcasing internal anatomy.

Engaging with the Public at Be Curious   

 At Be Curious, Dr. Viswambharan presented her stall, Understanding Heart Disease: The Power of Healthy Choices, which highlighted:  

  • Healthy Lifestyle Tips: Emphasizing prevention of diabetes.  
  • Public Insights: Gathering feedback on weight management and diabetes complications.  

Her outreach aims to educate all ages on healthy choices, targeting the NHS's £1.5 billion annual costs for diabetes-related complications.  

Addressing stress and cardiovascular health    

Dr. Viswambharan also raised awareness about stress-related insulin resistance and its impact on cardiovascular health, sharing research findings with parents to help them understand its connection to early diabetes.  

Support from HELIX    

Dr. Viswambharan leveraged HELIX’s resources to enhance her stall experience:  

  • She used VR headsets to showcase the circulatory system and other vital organs, with the HELIX team providing equipment in advance for practice.  
  • HELIX's Creative Space supported her efforts in preparing props and artwork for her stall.   

Dr. Viswambharan is not only advancing her research but also inspiring future generations to make informed choices for healthier lives.  

Want to use VR in your project? Get in touch with the team at helix@leeds.ac.uk. 

Inspiring future earth scientists  

At Be Curious, Dr. C. Scott Watson from COMET (Centre for Observation and Modelling of Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tectonics) led an engaging stall titled “Why Do We Study Volcanoes and Earthquakes?” The goal was to spark curiosity about the critical importance of studying these natural disasters and their impact on communities.  Three pieces of the Why Do We Study Volcanoes and Earthquakes? stall showcasing three topographical models of volcanoes on a table.

Engaging Young Minds with 3D Models of Natural Disasters 

Dr. Watson and his team inspired visitors by showcasing:  

  • 3D-printed topographical models of earthquake faults and volcanoes, painted by a local Leeds artist.  
  • Interactive displays that depicted earthquake aftermaths, including landslides and damaged roads.  
  • Informative labels, created using HELIX’s laser cutter, to explain these natural events.  

These models helped explain how studying volcanic and seismic activity can help reduce disaster risks, particularly through satellite data from the UKRI GCRF Urban Disaster Risk Hub (Tomorrow’s Cities project).  

HELIX’s support in innovation  

HELIX played a key role in bringing this stall to life by providing the tools needed to create models and materials. Dr. Watson used 3D filament printing and laser cutting technology to design high-quality, detailed models, whilst also creating branded rulers as giveaways for attendees. 

Advice for future users  

Dr. Watson encourages others to make use of HELIX’s resources:  

  • "Just give it a go" and see what's possible with the innovative facilities available.  

If you are interested in learning more about the exciting research projects above, get in touch with us at helix@leeds.ac.uk  or book a room through the booking system!