The team behind 2017 iGEM project "æther" organizes a particle pollution hunt for the public

The iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) competition was set up to promote research in the area of synthetic biology. This annual competition was launched in 2004 by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States. Teams from across the world compete each year to develop an innovative and effective synthetic biology project. The competition takes place in Boston at the Giant Jamboree, an annual event where all the teams are given the chance to present their project.

The Institut Pasteur first took part in the competition in 2015 with the project "PlastiCure", which explored the idea of using bacteria to break down plastic waste. The 2016 Institut Pasteur team developed a system to entrap and detect arboviruses with its "Mos(kit)O" project. Both teams demonstrated an innovative approach and invested a huge amount of time and energy, and their efforts resulted in several awards for the Institut Pasteur.

A new interdisciplinary team of 15 students from universities around Paris has been set up for the 2017 edition. It will present the "æther" project, aimed at designing a mechanism to capture and destroy particulate matter and endocrine disruptors. Air pollution is a serious problem that kills some 48,000 people each year. Current systems to reduce particle pollution are often energy intensive and require a large amount of space. The team is aiming for a compact, biodegradable, relatively inexpensive solution that can be implemented on a large scale to break down pollutants into recyclable products.

To raise awareness of this public health issue among the general public, the project team is organizing a unique public event based around the idea of a "particle pollution hunt".

This event will be held in connection with French Air Quality Day, organized by the French Environment Ministry. It will take place on Saturday September 16, 2017, from 1.30 to 6.30pm around the Latin Quarter in Paris. The free treasure hunt will work as follows: at each stage, participants will have to look for a clue that will help them solve a final puzzle. They will then head to a stand where there will be a game or activity related to air pollution. Here they will be given a clue to where they can find the next stage.

The main aim is to offer a fun activity that raises awareness of particle pollution. The treasure hunt is open to adults and to children accompanied by a parent or guardian, and it is accessible for those with reduced mobility. The names of all those who solve the final puzzle will be entered into a prize draw, with several prizes up for grabs including a bike.

The event is free but prior registration is required

More information about the Institut Pasteur and iGEM

 

Show your support for the 2017 iGEM team! Share this event with your contacts – and why not take part yourself?