Connecticut’s BioBus Debuts New PCR Experiment
During a Visit to
November 20, 2003 7:30am – 2:00pm
November 21, 2003 7:30am – 11:00am
Visit Sponsored by Connecticut Innovations, Inc.
New Haven, Conn., November 19, 2003
Connecticut’s BioBus is a 40 foot-long mobile science learning center that provides students throughout Connecticut with hands-on experience in the life sciences, will launch a new experiment on Thursday. During Connecticut’s BioBus visit to Killingly High School, a select group of students will be the first class to conduct the newest experiment in the BioBus curriculum, entitled “Cheek to Cheek”. The experiment is made possible by a generous donation by Fisher Scientific Company.This new experiment uses the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique, which is commonly used in industrial and academic laboratories to amplify genes for molecular biology and forensic studies. In the BioBus “Cheek to Cheek” experiment, students will extract and purify their own DNA from their cheek cells, analyze it by running gel electrophoresis and compare their genetic makeup to population genomics data.
“Fisher Scientific has worked closely with Connecticut’s BioBus Program to introduce the PCR technique to advanced biology students across the state,” said Michael Brown, Director of Biotech Market of Fisher Scientific Company. “PCR is used widely in forensic, academic, biotech, pharmaceutical and industry laboratories. Students wishing to study biology beyond high school will need to understand the technique.”
Other Killingly students participating in Connecticut’s BioBus Program will be introduced to modern biotechnology and forensic techniques that are used to separate and purify molecules based on size and charge. The students will make, pour and load their own gel with five different paint samples. They will be able to determine if the paint is from an original masterpiece or if it is from a replica by observing the rate at which the colors migrate through the gel when electricity is passed through the samples.
“Connecticut Innovations is the lead supporter of the BioBus, and we are excited to sponsor the first BioBus visit where students will participate in a hands-on laboratory session using PCR,” commented Victor R. Budnick, President and Executive Director of Connecticut Innovations, Inc. “The BioBus program is a valuable tool for demystifying scientific inquiry among middle and high school students by leading them through hands-on, real-world experiments beyond what they experience in their classrooms.”
“Studies have shown that the United States is losing ground in the global competition in science education of students in grades K through 12,” stated Paul R. Pescatello, President and CEO of CURE. “Connecticut’s schools do a great job in early childhood education, however many students lose interest in the sciences in middle and high school. CURE and our BioBus sponsors designed the BioBus Program to target middle and high school students who are at a critical period for kindling ongoing interest in bioscience.”
Outfitted with the latest in bioscience equipment and state-of-the-art computers, Connecticut’s BioBus seeks to foster the excitement of scientific discovery among students and ignite interest in pursuing scientific careers.
Since its inception on September 5, 2001, Connecticut’s BioBus has visited 146 schools, teaching 15,247 students during two-hour hands-on laboratory sessions. The BioBus has also conducted 105 community and sponsor events attended by 11,151 people.
Connecticut’s BioBus represents a five-year, $3.6 million partnership between 27 members of Connecticut United for Research Excellence, Inc. (CURE) – Connecticut’s BioScience Cluster – and Connecticut Innovations the state’s leading investor in high technology.
CURE is a statewide coalition of over 100 educational and research institutions, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and other supporting businesses. It is dedicated to promoting the growth and increasing public understanding of biomedical research and science in Connecticut.
Connecticut Innovations is a quasi-public organization that strengthens the state’s economy by making equity investments in entrepreneurial, high-technology companies. Connecticut Innovations also manages funds and initiatives that foster the development of high-growth industries in the state. From 1996 to 2001, Connecticut Innovations became the state’s leading investor in high-technology companies, investing more than $109 million to attract and retain growing companies, create high-paying jobs and increase Connecticut’s intellectual capital.
As a world leader in serving science, Fisher Scientific International Inc. (NYSE:FSH) offers more than 600,000 products and services to more than 350,000 customers located in approximately 145 countries. As a result of its broad product offering, electronic-commerce capabilities and integrated global logistics network, Fisher serves as a one-stop source of products, services and global solutions for its customers. The company primarily serves the scientific-research, clinical-laboratory and safety markets. Additional information about Fisher is available on the company’s Web site at www.fisherscientific.com.
If interested in learning more about/photographing Connecticut’s BioBus, talking to its staff and participating teachers, and observing a class, please contact Abby Demars, BioBus Staff Scientist and Program Coordinator, (203) 777-8747 ext. 109.
Contact:
Amy Enders, CURE
203-777-8516
