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Laboratory Furniture - There is more to a lab than test tubes

By Simon Carter
Jun 19, 2009
Gone are the days when science was shrouded in secrecy and confined to only the most secure locations. To the contrary, more and more institutions are nowadays opening their doors in order to allow people to visit their facilities in order to see how things are progressing. In fact, by visiting such a facility you'll have a perfect opportunity to see not only what goes on with regards to research, but also a phenomenal range of laboratory furniture. Additionally, you'll have an opportunity to find out everything you want to know about the work and procedures which take place in hospitals, museums and etcetera.

For example, numerous organizations and institutions within the United Kingdom are now offering open days in order to promote science, and of course, also to improve existing relations between them and the general public. Undeniably, this presents a fantastic opportunity not only for adults, but also for children, in that it affords them an opportunity to learn a great deal with regards to what takes place in some of the major scientific institutions across the country.

One of the great things about these open days is that rather than being bland tours, many institutions are going to great lengths in order to make these events both interesting and appealing to those who choose to visit. For example, at the Institute of Biomedical Science, visiting students have an opportunity to monitor the progress of the dummy patient regarding the different departments within a laboratory. They have an opportunity to get up close and personal with pre-prepared samples and results. Furthermore, they can scrutinize bloodstains, blood films and a wealth of other information, including a comprehensive presentation by histologists.

Until one actually takes part in such a tour, it's difficult to imagine just how much work is required for something as simple blood analysis. By going on one of these tours, you can mingle with staff displaying the latest laboratory furniture, such as fume extraction equipment or laboratory fume cupboards. You also have the benefit of seeing the relevant slides projected onto a wall and also, you have an opportunity to get up close and personal to some of the most interesting pieces of equipment imaginable.

For those who have no interest in medicine, the Natural History Museum allows visitors' access to their "Earth Lab". Here you can immerse yourself in a phenomenal collection of rocks, fossils and minerals. Also at your disposal, is a user friendly database together with a microscope for those who really want to get up close. The amount of information available to visitors is simply unbelievable, not to mention the fact that there are always helpful staff members on hand to answer questions and provide further information.

Astronomy is well represented among institutions open to the public, too. Jodrell Bank has a visitor center that offers talks on astronomy and a chance to see the famous Lovell Radio Telescope, as well as the Jodrell Bank Observatory. Special events for the public are happening continually, and all you need to do is find out when they're going to be to visit and find out a lot about the daily functioning of the observatory. Astronomy is an exciting and interesting field that everyone should find out more about.

At the Institute for Animal Health and similar institutions, you can check out visitor centers and learn more about what happens to food before it gets to the store. Livestock and crop growing information are available, but there's more than just farming. You'll also see some of the information about bacterial problems that can come up in food production and how they're dealt with. Just like most of the other laboratories you'll get a chance to see, animal related ones will have a lot of interesting laboratory furniture and equipment. It can be really exciting for kids and adults alike. We should all know where our food comes from and how it gets on our plate, and you'll be surprised at how little you really know.

Undeniably, being able to visit such a wide range of labs is incredibly beneficial in a number of ways with regards to educating ourselves. Fortunately enough this is something which is becoming easier to do and more accessible to the general public. From fume extraction equipment to blood tests and from animals to telescopes, there is quite literally something for everyone, just waiting to be discovered from behind what were once, closed doors .
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