Attention Drawn to Technology with DNA Necklaces

Drawing Attention to Technology with DNA Necklaces A laboratory established at the Tınaztepe Campus with an investment of approximately TRY 30 million develops high-technology products and responds to R&D demands from the industrial sector. The laboratory, equipped with multiple sample preparation systems and advanced technology scanning optical characterization and imaging systems, enables research in the fields of petrochemistry, pharmaceuticals, biochemistry, chemistry, environment, archaeology, renewable energy and forensic sciences. With the aim of directing youth toward science and technology, the center extracts DNA from children's saliva and manufactures necklaces from it, which are then presented to them as gifts. Prof. Dr. Görkem Akıncı, Faculty Member of DEÜ Department of Environmental Engineering and director of the center, stated: "Imaging services, analysis and characterization services are at the forefront for us. We are conducting work aimed at new product development. We have projects running jointly with many companies, we are very open to product development projects and we work within a very broad and multidisciplinary academic field." Akıncı recalled that they extract DNA from saliva and present it to children as necklaces in bottles, noting that through this small initiative they are trying to draw the attention of young people to science and technology. DEÜ Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Duygu Özel Demiralp reminded that there are 49 research-application centers under the university umbrella. Emphasizing that the Science and Technology Application and Research Center encompasses many disciplines, Demiralp stated: "This is a center that also supports the national and international community projects of institutions similar to TÜBİTAK." Demiralp recalled that at TEKNOFEST KARADENIZ held in Samsam, the center extracted DNA from children's saliva and made necklaces to present to them with the aim of increasing young people's interest in science and technology, and noted that this work received considerable attention. Highlighting that they are conducting such work to inspire youth to love science, Demiralp added that they want to prepare and present these necklaces to all young people attending future events they organize. Source