Why You Should Go To 'Dialogue In The Dark'?

Yes, I DID IT!

Imagine a life with no light, nothing but darkness! You can hear sounds but you will never be able to see or know how you look like, or even what your handphone looks like. That is the reality for millions of people around the world who are visually impaired, living with blindness. It is a fact that most of us do not have to live with, but it is something we should experience in an exhibition called ‘Dialogue in the Dark’.

A little bit about the history, ‘Dialogue in the Dark (DiD)’ was founded in Germany by Andreas Heinecke and has been in more than 130 cities in 20 over countries and has reached  out to over 7 million visitors globally since its opening in 1988. Finally, DiD has landed in Malaysia with a special ‘Experiential Journey’ organized by Dialogue in the Dark Malaysia and hosted by Petrosains, The Discovery Centre in Suria  KLCC, Kuala Lumpur.

The objective is for us to understand sightlessness and change our perspective in life toward the blind. It also aims to raise awareness and create empathy  for these special people, thereby overcoming barriers between “us” and “them”.

The exhibition consists of a series of rooms in complete darkness. It is a journey into a ‘world without sight’ whereby a group of visitors will be led by blind or partially blind guides who are trained through dark rooms which replicate daily environments.  The guides  are trained and competent in handling situations  during the tour so that visitors are  assured they are  safe and well taken care of. The guides provide an imaginative, educational and entertaining experience, progressing from anxiety and nervousness to the joy of perceiving the world through other senses.

While increasing awareness, the organizers of this exhibition has the noble intention of creating employment opportunities for the visually-impaired people and part of the proceeds collected from the exhibition will be channeled towards developing a permanent and sustainable DID Centre in Malaysia. 

Open up your mind, relax and you will definitely enjoy the tour! It will be an  enlightening l experience for sure. Don’t panic, you will be briefed on how to use a walking stick before embarking on the 60  minutes journey through darkness. Even though the exhibition is totally dark, it is safe because emergency evacuation procedures and CCTV cameras are in place to ensure safety. Share your wonderful experience with your families, friends and relatives right after you come out from the exhibition and write it on a postcard!

So, come and experience the  journey with Dialogue in the Dark and allow your other senses to be your guide as you navigate through total darkness at Petrosains, KLCC Suria today! ‘Dialogue in the Dark’ starts this Sunday, 8th December 2013 and will be around until 31 May 2014. Book your  tickets now as slots are limited and only eight visitors are allowed for each tour slot. ! Check out the details below or visit our website at www.petrosains.com.my  

   

Posted by Ayu
Learning Specialist, Petrosains

Your Brain - Use it or Lose it!

HotScience │Petrosains

Cow's brain

The brain is the microprocessor of your body, controlling almost everything that you do.

It’s a complex organ with responsibilities that belies its weight, which is a mere 1.5kg!

The brain is the crown jewel of the human body - without it we cease to exist.

How it works  

The 3 basic units of the brain:

The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates the body's basic functions and activities. It is made up of two major divisions - central nervous system (consisting of the brain and spinal cord) & peripheral nervous system (consisting of all other neural elements).  

The Science Engagement at HotScience

Neurological disorders & treatment

There are over 600 known neurological disorders & conditions - treatment options for many of them are very limited.  A neurological disorder is a disease or injury of the central nervous system that causes paralysis of any part of the body.  It may be due to physical injury to the brain, spinal cord or nerves, or biochemical causes.  Sometimes the cause may be unknown and only the effects are seen.  Neurological disorders are common and can be life-threatening.

Some disorders:

Epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease & other dementias, cerebrovascular diseases including stroke, migraine & other headache disorders, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, neuroinfections, brain tumours, traumatic disorders of the nervous system such as brain trauma, and neurological disorders as a result of malnutrition.

Diseases that attack the nervous system: 

Infections (bacterial, viral or fungal), cancers (malignant or benign), degenerative conditions (such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease), and disorders of function (e.g. epilepsy, Tourette's syndrome).

Food which can make our brain healthier  

Many scientists the world over have done researches on ‘food for the brain’.  However studies on the effects of food on the brain are relatively young. Scientists know that certain foods and diets are better for the brain, but figuring out why is still in progress. 

Explore brains

Research suggests that four different types of chemicals and nutrients interact with the brain positively.

1. Glucose

The brain draws nearly all its energy from glucose. 

2. Fatty Acids

Polyunsaturated fatty acids, aka omega-3 and omega-6 help strengthen the synapses in our brain related to memory.

3. Amino Acids

Amino acids come from protein-rich foods and help connect the neurotransmitters which are essential for keeping your brain sharp. 

4. Antioxidants

Antioxidants help regulate the oxidative stress that destroys brain cells. The stress is caused when our body is converting glucose to energy and extra oxygen is created called free radicals. Antioxidants block them so our brain doesn't have to work as hard.

The Science Engagement at HotScienc

Science Engagement Session at HotScience Petrosains

The two days session focused on brain basics – the different parts and how it works.  Some interesting interactive activities were also prepared by the University to help the public understand better this complex topic. On-going research on Alzheimer’s disease was also shared in the form of a mice which is afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and how certain foods help alleviate the disease.  Those brave and not squeamish were invited to touch the cow, rabbit & rat brains – a rare opportunity for many! 

The Science Engagement at HotScience

This article is written in conjunction with Science Engagement Session at HotScience, Petrosains from 29-30 June 2013 with scientists from UiTM –

1. Prof. Dr. Abu Bakar Abdul Majeed, pharmacist-cum-neuroscientist & Assistant Vice-chancellor (Research), UiTM

2. Prof. Dr. Kalavathy Ramasamy, head of the Collaborative Drug Discovery Research (CDDR) Group at the Faculty of Pharmacy, UiTM

3. Dr Lim Siong Meng, a senior researcher, UiTM

SCIENCE BROUGHT ALIVE WITH PETROSAINS SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2013

Petrosains Science Festival 2013 has successfully concluded and proven that public institutions, private corporations, and individuals from diverse science and technology industries and academia can rally together in a shared goal to engage and inspire the Malaysian public and specifically our youngsters with the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The inaugural festival, a collaborative effort between Petrosains and 34 partners was organized by over 200 staff and assisted by more than 100 volunteers, managed to draw in crowds of over 42,000 people within the 6 days period. In comparison, the attendance to the 2012 San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering (4th edition) in multiple venues around San Diego with 44 partners was estimated at 50,000 people over its 8 day period.

The Petrosains Science Festival, running from 22nd – 27th October 2013, had activities ranging from speaking engagements by scientists/personalities, hands-on workshops, interactive exhibitions, and performances by various groups at 3 different locations within KLCC area: Petrosains, The Discovery Center, Suria KLCC Centre Court, and KLCC Esplanade.

Partners’ contribution was in the form of exhibit  items, high speed broadband infrastructure for seamless internet connectivity, state-of-the-art LED screen facilities, personality appearances and many others. Special participation by world-class corporations such as Google, Boeing and GE made the event more special.

The PR, media and online exposure were estimated at more than RM 500,000 with print ad insertions in the STAR, SCJP, Harian Metro, daily editorials, online ad/web banners, Red FM radio activation, below the line and out of home media promotions, digital media/blogger coverage and plasma screen at shopping malls. 

The news updates via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by public figures such as Major (Dr.) Faiz Khaleed (Angkasawa Negara), Najwa Latiff (local singer), Terry & Mynn (Red FM deejays), Dato’ Fazley Yaacob (celebrity chef), and many other personalities have surely hyped up the event in the social media sphere.

The exhibitors inside the Petrosains’ Gallerias such as the PETRONAS Carigali, SIRIM, StreetSmart, UMT, UiTM, Bamboo Malaysia and many others had six busy days attending to visitors. The Recycle Zone and Play Zone by Legoland Malaysia were also a hit among the kids. 

Some of the 63 workshop sessions as well workshops organized by Petrosains such as the ‘Cow’s Eye Dissection’, ‘Make Your Own Ice-Cream’, ‘Digital Animation’, and ‘Batik Painting and Painting by Yusuf Gajah’ just to name a few, attracted full capacity rooms with long waiting list for participation.

A total of 36 talks and forums were conducted with some popular sessions such as ‘Debunking the Myth of Gravity’ by Major (Dr.) Faiz, ‘Let’s Talk Fitness’ by Kevin Zahri(fitness guru), ‘Edible Science’ by Dato’ Fazley, forum on social media by celebrities: Nik Michael Imran, Imran Ajmain and Vincent Ha of Gushcloud, and ‘Your Brain: Use it or Lose it!” by UiTM drew a full house with crowds cramming in to listen to the talks. Other interesting sessions included ‘Science of Tongkat Ali’ by UMS, ‘Belangkas Bukan Ketam’ by UMT, and ‘Mystery Solved! Forensic Science’ by Jabatan Kimia Malaysia.

The exhibition at the Suria KLCC Centre Court during the last 3 days of the festival was the culmination of the 6-days science festival. Key Partners like PETRONAS Motor Sport, PETRONAS Dagangan, TM, Google, Star Publication, Nova Spectra, Yayasan Angkasawan and Petrosains, had significant presence with their individual display of interactive exhibits and running of exciting activities.

The presence of Dr. Graham Walker, a globally known science show performer from Australia, had the crowd in the Suria KLCC Centre Court in stitches with his amazingly funny and educational science show. Talented Petrosains’ science communicators as well science busking teams also had the audience enthralled with their interesting science shows and trivias.  

Stage performances by local artists such Yassin Sulaiman, Najwa Latiff, Capoeira Dancers, Kakinari Dancers, Zumba by Kevin Zahri’s Team, YAWA recycled items performance group, St John Bagpipes band, and many others added more colors to the festival. 

Not limiting to only indoor, we also had outdoor activities such as kid’s favorite ‘Bubble Madness’ demonstration by Prof. Chong Hon Yew, and ‘Mencari Ramli’ football activity by TM.

Based on feedback received, visitors of the festival were very pleased with the activities organized and were happy to have spent an enjoyable and educational time at the festival. With this year’s success, a benchmark has been set for the 2014 edition which can only be bigger and better.  It will be more than just ‘Bringing Science Alive’ but perhaps ‘Bringing Science Up’ to the next level!

Dari mana asalnya asam keping?

Bercakap mengenai asam keping, pastinya ramai yang pernah melihatnya? Apatah lagi kepada sesiapa yang selalu             menjenguk ke dapur untuk memasak. Tetapi, pernahkah kita terfikir, asam keping di perbuat daripada apa? Dari mana    asalnya asam keping? Perkongsian yang sangat menarik pada kali ini adalah  mengenai sesuatu perkara yang mungkin      ramai yang tidak pernah mengetahuinya atau melihatnya sendiri.

Asam keping berasal daripada buah asam gelugur. Asam gelugur adalah sejenis buah yang boleh diperolehi dari pokok     asam gelugur. Gambar di atas menunjukkan  pokok asam gelugur. Jika diperhatikan  dari segi morfologinya, pokok asam gelugur lebih tinggi dari  pokok-pokok yang lain dan ketinggiannya boleh mencecah 10 hingga 15 meter. 

Daunnya pula berbentuk bujur memanjang seperti yang dapat dilihat dalam gambar di atas. Buah asam gelugur berketak di sekelilingnya. Buah asam gelugor yang muda bewarna hijau manakala buahnya yang sudah matang bewarna kuning. 

Pada kebiasaannya, buah yang telah matang akan dikait dengan menggunakan galah. Kadang kala buah asam gelugur ini boleh dijumpai gugur di atas tanah kerana sudah terlalu masak. Untuk membuat asam keping, buahnya akan di potong     setebal  3mm. Kemudian  ia akan disusun di atas permukaan yang rata dan di jemur di bawah panas matahari selama 4      hingga 7 hari.

Rasa masam dari buah asam gelugur sebenarnya berasal dari rasa masam pelbagai jenis asid yang terkandung di dalam     buahnya. Di antaranya adalah asid sitrik, asid tartarik dan asid askorbik di samping ia juga mengandungi khasiat lain         seperti serat, vitamin dan mineral. Asam keping digunakan sebagai bahan perasa di dalam kebanyakan masakan seperti   asam pedas, masakan singgang dan kuah laksa. selain itu, rasa masam dari  asam keping juga digunakan untuk membasuh bahan mentah seperti ikan kerana ia boleh menghilangkan bau yang hanyir.

Posted by Ayu
Learning Specialist, Petrosains

Versatile Bamboo!

HotScience │Petrosains

We’ve seen people rafting along a river on bamboo rafts, bamboo scaffolding at construction sites and of course the housing for Malaysia’s all-time favourite, lemang!  Now try to imagine clothes, bags, towels and soap made from bamboo.  Maybe computer casing too!  

One of the fascinating uses of bamboo is as scaffold in the construction industry.  China has been using it for the past 5000 years and today it’s still widely used in many Asian countries, not only for low rise buildings but the tallest skyscrapers imaginable!  So what’s special about bamboo?  Well basically it’s light, strong, portable, cheap and renewable! 

In 2012, researchers from the University’s BRE Centre for Innovative Construction Materials embarked in a collaboration with Coventry University and the University of Cambridge to explore the use of bamboo for the widespread construction of homes.  Studies are on-going.

Another interesting application is clothing.  We have cotton and woolen clothing, why not bamboo?  Bamboo fabric is impressive for the following reasons:

• Softer than cotton - its texture is similar to a blend of cashmere and silk.

• Better moisture absorption and ventilation.  

• Natural antibacterial elements.

• Ability to absorb and evaporate human sweat in a split of a second.  This makes it extremely cool and comfortable, even in hot weather. 

• 100% bamboo yarns show a great elasticity i.e. nearly 20%.

What’s available in the market now?  There’s sweaters, bath-suits, underwear, t-shirts, socks, sanitary napkins, masks, mattress, bags, bathroom products and decorating items.  All this from the humble bamboo.  Bamboo is indeed versatile!

Some Bamboo Malaysia merchandise are also available at our gift shop 'Xplorasi'.

This article is written in conjunction with an Engagement Session at HotScience, Petrosains from 20-21 September 2013 with Bamboo Malaysia.

Side-B of Redang Island: Turtle Conservation

Who would have expected to see turtles at Redang Island – the island for sun and fun! On the flip side though, not many people know there’s a turtle sanctuary that is successfully managed by the Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu at Chagar Hutang.  Green turtles and Hawksbill turtles have been busy heading there and its good news for turtle conservation! It had not been easy getting them to nest and hatch there but its staff and volunteers are seeing the fruits of their labour!

Before we got to see turtles later in the evening, we had a one day stopover at the one and only primary school, SK Pulau Redang.  All 210 students were involved in the science activities we arranged, while their teachers did adult stuff…science learning workshop.  In other words, the whole school was engaged with Petrosains!  Wow!  We’ve never met a bunch of enthusiastic and eager students!  They were treated to an interactive science show (they actively participated), a DIY microscope hands-on activity & quiz called En. Hangman. It was indeed an energetic and deafening but satisfying session! 

Hands-on science activities by Petrosains

The Teachers' Workshop by Educators Centre, Petrosains

The turtle sanctuary was the opposite of what we experienced at SK Pulau Redang.  Chagar Hutang is located on an isolated beach on the most northern part of the island - away from the hustle and bustle of tourist activities.  It is quiet and serene except for the occasional burst of laughter and a flurry of activities from the human residents, which is not many!

The beach is off limits to tourists and casual visitors except for SEATRU researchers, workers and volunteers.  However the numbers are kept to a minimum to keep in check disturbances on the nesting beach.

The real work starts when most people are comfortable in bed, about midnight onwards. There’s a lot of waiting and it involves 9 stages until the wee hours of the morning. 

1. Landing (turtle just coming out from the water)

2. Crawling up the beach

3. Digging body pit

4. Digging egg chamber

5. Laying eggs

6. Covering the egg chamber

7. Sand-bathing (camouflage nest)

8. Crawling back to sea

9. Re-entering sea

During stages 1-5, turtles are very sensitive and may abort nesting if they are disturbed. Hence monitoring is done during these stages.  After the eggs are layed, staff will measure and tag the turtle; and label the nest.  Work doesn’t end here though.  The beach are also patrolled hourly from sunrise to sunset to inspect nests.  It seems like work is never ending!

(Source: SEATRU Volunteer Programme, Juanita Joseph & Liew Hock Chark)

Marking a turtle's nest.
Nesting took place on May 29, 2013

A SEATRU volunteer excavating a turtle’s nest

We were there to observe, and participated to a certain extend.  It was exciting when we saw turtles landing one by one (quite a long wait for each turtle) and later laying eggs.  Most of us never dreamt we’ll get to experience this precious moment.  It was just a handful of us plus the turtle!  Wow!  Powerful!

So folks, if you are looking for something meaningful and one in a lifetime experience, do checkout SEATRU.  You won’t be disappointed!

An interview session with Dr. Juanita Joseph (Project Leader of SEATRU) and Assoc. Prof. Liew Hock Chark (Founder of Sea Turtle Research Unit - SEATRU)

This article is written in conjunction with Science Engagement Session at SK Pulau Redang, Terengganu on 18 June 2013 and our educational visit to the Sea Turtle Research Unit, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (SEATRU, UMT) on 18-19 June 2013.  Special thanks to Assoc. Prof. Liew Hock Chark (Founder of Sea Turtle Research Unit - SEATRU) and Dr. Juanita Joseph (Project Leader of SEATRU). Our appreciation to SK Pulau Redang.