On the evening of Friday 26 September, the CRETUS Research Centre will take part in the fifth edition of G-Night (Galician Researchers’ Night) with a series of science workshops addressing environmental pollution from different perspectives, encouraging reflection and active participation from attendees.
Under the title A Scientific Look at Environmental Pollution: Risks, Origins and Solutions, CRETUS researchers will share with the public the research carried out at the Centre. Those visiting the Cloister of the Pazo de Fonseca between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm will be able to take part in the following CRETUS workshops:
Playing Clean: What is Hidden in Football Pitches and Playgrounds
This workshop tackles the issue of recycled tyres being used as surfaces in children’s playgrounds and as infill in artificial turf football pitches. Several simple analytical techniques will be demonstrated that allow the detection and identification of harmful compounds present in this material.
From Fluorescent Jellyfish to Plastic-Eating Bacteria
Here we will explore genetic editing through visual examples such as the fluorescent protein GFP, which makes certain bacteria glow under UV light. The workshop will explain how bacteria are genetically modified in the laboratory and how these techniques can be applied to develop bacteria capable of degrading plastics, offering innovative solutions to environmental pollution.
Contaminated Past
Through a simulated excavation of skeletons and teaching materials, participants will discover how bone remains are analysed to identify contaminants such as mercury or to trace historical diseases such as the plague. This interactive activity combines archaeology, environmental pollution, and the history of health from a scientific and accessible perspective.
The Galician Researchers’ Night, G-NIGHT, is part of the European science outreach event European Researchers’ Night, held simultaneously in over 400 cities to bring science closer to society.