Monkeying Around at Explorit Science Center

The polio vaccine, insulin for diabetes and organ transplants: all of these advances in medicine have come as a result of research on animals. Though the subject is controversial, the advances in medical research are undeniable. Representatives of the California National Primate Research Center will visit Explorit Science Center on Saturday to educate visitors about primates and the center’s biomedical research.

The “Learning from Primate Research” Family Exploration program will take from 1-4 p.m. at Explorit’s main site, 2801 Second St. It’s free with admission to the museum. Scientists from the center will be presenting portions of their educational outreach program, in which they educate schoolchildren about primates and biomedical research.

The goal of the outreach program is to “introduce K-6 students to nonhuman primates, general science concepts, animals in research, and biomedical research programs and careers,” center officials say. The program accomplishes this by introducing students to the biology of primates, and then linking that with the research that can be done with them. In addition, a discussion of how the CNPRC cares for the primates at their facility is included.

No, there will not be any live monkeys at this event. The primates used at the center must be kept in carefully controlled conditions, and a busy science center could potentially be a frightening experience for a primate — and maybe the staff and public! The scientists from the center will have answers to the question of “Why doesn’t a monkey make a good pet?”

Visitors can expect to receive an activity book to take home, and to do activities such as making monkey masks, trying on protective research clothing, and learning a little about their own bodies. Primates are our closest relatives, which make them all the more interesting to study.

The CNPRC focuses on four areas of research with its 4,700 monkeys: infectious disease and immunology; respiratory biology and disease; reproduction and development; and behavior and neuroscience. The presentation at Explorit will include activity stations that relate to the respiratory research, a set of pig lungs to investigate lung function and smoking, and behavior, looking at primate communication.

Explorit’s staff is excited to have an outside presentation that ties in so well with the current changing exhibit. Megan Contreras, program director, says, “Our ‘Body Blueprints’ exhibit has direct links to the CNPRC program. We are both emphasizing healthy choices, and taking a closer look at how the human body works.” The CNPRC program also includes a look at the genetic similarity between primates and humans, an expansion of Explorit’s exhibits on human genetics.

While “monkeying around” is not usually encouraged at a museum, Explorit will be making an exception for this special event.
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Explorit Science Center has two exhibitions running: “Body Blueprints” and “Move It! Science in Action.” Admission is $4 general, free for age 3 and under. The museum is open from 2-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Explorit is at 2801 Second St., Davis. For more information: (530) 756-0191 or www.explorit.org