Come out and join us on the first day of our festival where you'll learn about the taste of science… quite literally!

Join taste of science at the Franklin Institute for science after hours Tuesday, March 26th! The theme of the night is speakeasy and we will be performing a fruity experiment to isolate strawberry DNA using a refreshing cocktail (hint: we can’t skimp on the alcohol because it’s required for DNA precipitation!). Come experience getting buzzy with DNA.

Our final night will highlight complex processes regulated by our brains. First, we will learn about a novel technique, optogenetics, which uses light to control cells and how this has potential to cure diseases like chronic pain. Concussions, an underestimated epidemic, will be addressed from all angles including symptoms, sex differences, and what to do about them. Also, we will learn how climate change affects our genetics, all the way up to influencing our behaviors. Finally, we will wrap up our last night looking at how dopamine affects HIV infection.

Come learn about how oceanographers explore the bottom of the ocean and what it's like to live on a research vessel. Next, understand why flu vaccines are not perfect but are still important to receive each year. Then you will be guided through the design and development of snow melting concrete from an engineering perspective.

Environments have a large impact on our everyday lives, even if we don't realize it. We also shape the environments around us, be it locally or globally, or on a macro or micro level. For our opening night, scientists will discuss research on changing water patterns in Mongolia, how infectious diseases spread, body odor as a meter to detect idenity and health, and the microbiome! Come out and learn about these diverse enviroments!

We realize now more than ever how each decision we make affects our environment for us and the generations to come. On our final night, we'll hear about climate change, ways to go green, how our actions alter science, and a major breakthrough to reduce our carbon footprint that is just around the corner.  

Curious about science, but not sure where to start? On this night, we will feature a smorgasbord of talks ranging from the history of dinosaurs, tiny drones, and how we talk to computers, to how to harness the power of a specific type of cell for treatment in nervous system injury. 

Want to kick back, have a beer, and ponder what it all means? For our opening night, we will tackle questions about the cosmos, and hear from two speakers who will explore issues like whether the universe is expanding and how galaxies are formed. Then, we'll bring it back home to our own backyard, and learn about the changing face of our neighborhoods right here in Philadelphia. 

We are partners with the March for Science, to demonstrate the importance of critical thinking, scientific research and evidence-based policy making.