fake ray bans Allergies
The presentation

The two partners will develop an interesting and unconventional science theatre presentation targeting the general public. The presentation will combine different techniques: theatrical scenes, Power Point presentations,, discussions with a scientist and hands-on activities like simple skin testing and other diagnostics. The main idea is to develop a science theatre play/ a couple of science theatre scenes exploring different themes, e.g. why allergies develop, what happens in your body when you are allergic, how to find out whether you are allergic, whether it is possible to avoid becoming allergic etc.

In the performance different situations where allergies are met will be shown, combined with short presentations/explanations on background, research methods, research results etc. by special presenters, preferably the researchers themselves. A scene might freeze and the presenter enters the stage to explain and explore a theme, also inviting questions and comments from the audience. The researcher must be present and prepared to answer all kinds of questions. By interviewing the researchers beforehand, we will also find out which research fields they are currently exploring as well as why they became interested in allergies in the first place and why they chose a scientific career.

The scenes will be played by professional actors, actor students, young people or puppets. A few people in the audience might be invited to enter the stage, acting as “human test subjects”.

After the performance the audience will be invited to take part in an interactive demonstration, or preferably to experiment themselves. The researchers will assist in finding interesting and easily conducted experiments/tests/demonstrations.

The presentation aims to incorporate results from the GABRIEL, BAMSE and ALEGRO projects. The performance will explore how genetic research can be employed to find causes and treatments for allergy and asthma. Studies about the impact of growing up in an urban or rural environment will be presented. Common myths will be challenged using recent research results.
Impact in daily life and social interest:     

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways and makes them more reactive to certain substances breathed in. The exact cause of asthma isn't known. Asthma affects people of all ages, but the symptoms typically appear during childhood. Many children who develop the disease will experience symptoms throughout life.

10 per cent of adult onset asthma is caused by workplace exposure to dusts and chemicals. It can lead to job loss and deterioration in quality of life for whole families. A combination of smoking and asthma can lead to Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease, the sixth most common cause of death in the world today. A JRC study for the EU found that the cost to member states of treating children under the age of 15 is 3 billion Euros a year.

The aim of the GABRIEL project is to discover the genetic and environmental causes of asthma, and to develop new preventative and therapeutic strategies.

Format:      
Science theatre with interactive demonstrations and discussions.