Posts tagged with "stem"

Hobamine: The Game Changing Discovery for a Long Life

By: Greg Macpherson, biotechnologist, author, “Harnessing the Nine Hallmarks of Aging.”

Free radicals are much-maligned molecules, blamed for causing many of the diseases we suffer from and even the aging process itself. We are regularly reminded of this in the fruit and vegetable isle at the supermarket and by supplement brands promoting antioxidants to counter the effect of free radicals. 

But dig a little deeper and you will discover that free radicals have an interesting little secret. It turns out that we need free radicals to be healthy. Free radicals are harnessed by our cells to send messages around the cell and between cells. Our immune system uses free radicals as part of its initial immune process (imagine free radical “bullets” being fired at an intruder) to slow the bugs down while the rest of our immune system jumps into action to fight off the infection.  

It turns out, for optimal health that we need to live in a “free radical goldilocks zone.”  Too many free radicals and we shift into something called oxidative stress and if that persists for too long then we are on track to get a disease.  But, if we have too few free radicals then it is equally harmful as our body loses the ability to mount a healthy immune response or to transmit messages that might notify the cell that something has gone wrong triggering a process where the cell removes itself for the health of the tissues that surround it.  

However, science is now telling us to go a little easy on antioxidants and not over do it. The clues have been there for a long time. A large study many years ago found that smokers, who create a burden of oxidative stress in their body with every puff, that took a vitamin E supplement had an increased risk of death. In another study, older adults that took antioxidants alongside exercise didn’t get the same level of muscle growth as their peers who went to the gym without taking antioxidants. In each case the antioxidants interfered with the healthy free radical signalling process creating a problem larger than the one it was aiming to solve. 

So how do we deal with the challenge of reducing oxidative stress whilst not over doing it and causing ourselves a serious health problem? Two strategies are coming to the fore. First, if you are going to take an antioxidant then take natural antioxidants that are derived from our diet such as curcumin, fisetin or pterostilbene. These bioactive molecules support the natural levels of antioxidants that our cells make to balance the levels of free radicals in our cells to keep us in the “goldilocks zone” and also have secondary health benefits, such ascurcumin, which is well known to reduce inflammation; fisetin, which is becoming well known as a senolytic, a molecule that helps remove senescent cells from the body; and pterostilbene, a molecule that activates key genes responsible for cellular repair and energy generation.  

The second strategy and is one of the most promising I have seen for a long time is taking a molecule called Hobamine (also known as 2-HOBA). Hobamine is an extract from the humble Himalayan Tartary buckwheat. It is an interesting molecule that protects our cells from the downstream effects of free radicals whilst leaving the healthy free radicals alone to do their work. How Hobamine delivers its health benefits is fascinating. It is a member of a new class of natural molecules called reactive carbonyl scavengers. While that is a bit of a mouthful you could also call it an antioxidant 3.0 or a smart antioxidant. It is so cutting edge that it is hard to find in most supplements. In fact, my company SRW is only the second company in the world to offer it in our Cel1 Stability supplement.

Hobamine works to mitigate the damage that free radicals cause in our cells. If you remember from grade school, free radicals are molecules that are unstable and all they want to find and react with is another molecule to becomestable. They damage our cells because in the process of getting stable they steal a molecule from a part of our cell. Free radicals are not picky and damage whatever is closest to them: our DNA, our delicate cellular machinery, or our cell membranes. In the process the free radical becomes stable but whatever they damage becomes radicalised and reactive. Because we are carbon based the most common downstream effect of free radical damage is the formation of reactive carbonyl species. These molecules are highly reactive and only persist for fractions of a second. They are so short lived that you can’t measure them, but you can measure the result of the damage they cause. 

Reactive carbonyl species bind with proteins, DNA and cell membranes affecting their function and, in some cases, interfere with the cells ability to remove the damage. Over time this is where the real damage from free radicals and oxidative stress is occurring within our cells and what is exciting is that Hobamine gives you a way, for the first time to slow the damage down. Hobamine neutralises the reactive carbonyl species before they have a chance to cause damage to the delicate cellular machinery, membranes and our DNA. 

What makes this doubly interesting is that researchers have discovered that the immune system is activated by the end molecules that result from the process between reactive carbonyl species and our cell membranes and this may be part of the reason that we experience increasing levels of inflammation as we age. 

Reactive carbonyl species and how to mitigate damage from them is now an active area of research and medical researchers have identified the link between reactive carbonyl species damage and diseases like Alzheimer’s, autoimmune, heart disease and high blood pressure. The list will continue to grow, and it is looking like the discovery of this new class of bioactive molecules could potentially reduce the burden of damage across our cells that we all accumulate as we age and potentially lead to helping protect ourselves from a wide range of conditions or better, get ahead of the damage and slow the aging process itself down. Hobamine is an exciting new tool in the fight to extend our health-spans so that we all get the opportunity to be healthier for longer. 

Biography:

Greg Macpherson is a pharmacist, biotechnologist, cellular health expert and author of, “Harnessing the Nine Hallmarks of Aging: to live your healthiest life.” For more than a decade, he has been working in the biotechnology sector, specifically focusing on the aging process at the cellular level. This work led him to discover ways to harness the nine identified, scientific hallmarks of aging, which is the premise of his book that addresses the natural aging process, how to age more favorably and simple strategies to slow the aging process and build a functional healthspan. Beyond theory and concept, Macpherson has used his entrepreneurial spirit to further develop solutions to this new paradigm of aging, described in his book, by launching SRW Laboratories, a science and research based company that curates the latest biotechnology research to formulate natural products designed to help slow the onset of aging and disease, and develop evidence based solutions for those who are experiencing age-related health concerns or who want to improve their healthspan. SRW, which stands for Science, Research and Wellness, is Macpherson’s natural world laboratory that will develop the preventative formulas for cellular health from nature required to slow down the aging process based on the nine hallmarks of aging, which include mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere attrition and cellular senescence, to name a few. With aging being the single biggest risk factor for developing disease, Macpherson’s mission to slow the aging process at a cellular level could help millions of people delay the onset of diseases associated with advanced aging like Alzheimer’s and heart disease and increase healthspan.

Image of Telescope via Gabrielle Archulleta for Use by 360 Magazine

WonderWorks Panama City × The Force Of Air

Air is something we all need to survive, but most of us don’t know much about it. WonderWorks Panama City Beach is opening a new exhibit that sheds light on this essential gas to give guests a better understanding of what it is and how it moves. The attraction’s new exhibit will open on August 13, 2021, and it will be included in the regular admission price. This is just one of many exhibits WonderWorks features that helps guests learn about science in a fun and hands-on way.

“Families are going to really find this exhibit fun and interesting at the same time,” said Michael Walsingham, general manager of WonderWorks Panama City Beach. “It’s a great exhibit that will help people see how air moves around, and the kids are going to enjoy the interaction.”

The new exhibit brings to life the concept of how air moves – something many guests have never thought about. It features a maze of tubes hanging from the walls and ceiling that guests can send colorful pieces of material — dubbed “poofs” — through to observe how the force of air moves through the maze.

In addition to giving guests a visual demonstration of how air moves, the exhibit’s room is filled with fun facts about the air so everyone comes away learning something new. Guests will learn about what air is, how it moves, how it holds water, what sort of living organisms it contains,  why there is no air in outer space, what gusts and bioaerosols are, and much more.

This new exhibit is one of the many STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) focused exhibits at WonderWorks Panama City Beach. STEAM-related exhibits are a focus at WonderWorks, as its mascot Professor Wonders hopes to provide guests with a fun and interactive way to learn more about science.

“We invite people to check out this new exhibit and learn something new about the very thing that keeps them alive,” added Walsingham. “We love to help people learn, and we aim to also keep it interesting!”

WonderWorks Panama City Beach offers many STEM-focused exhibits and activities all year long. There are also demonstrations, activities, virtual learning labs, science fair partnerships, homeschool days, and more. To get more information about the WonderWorks STEM programs, visit the website HERE.

The interactive indoor amusement park offers STEM-focused activities for all ages. There are over 100 hands-on activities, including the bubble lab, an interactive sandbox, the illusion art gallery, and Xtreme 360 bikes. For more information on WonderWorks, visit the site HERE.

album cover by Femme It Forward for use by 360 Magazine

FEMME IT FORWARD – BIG FEMME ENERGY

FEMME IT FORWARD TEASES NEW INDIE LABEL WITH THE RELEASE OF ITS ALL-FEMALE DEBUT ALBUM, BIG FEMME ENERGY FEATURING LAUREN JAUREGUI, KIANA LEDÉ, RAPSODY, TIERRA WHACK AND MORE.

Femme It Forward, a female-led music and entertainment company announced today the release of its debut album, “Big Femme Energy Volume 1.” The first ever all female compilation album containing original music, not connected to a movie soundtrack, features songs by Tayla Parx, Lauren Jauregui, Kiana Ledé, Rapsody, Tierra Whack, Ambré, SAYGRACE, Baby Rose, Muni Long, and Sinéad Harnett. The album is available to stream on all music streaming services and platforms now.

Big Femme Energy, filled with affirmations of self-empowerment, autonomy, and strength, is Femme It Forward’s latest step towards fostering more inclusivity in the music industry. The first of its kind compilation album of original songs features a female writer on every song, and is led by an all-female team of artists, creatives and executives such as Heather Lowery (Executive Producer), Annie Bercy (Video Director), Katherine Realpe (Behind the Scenes Director), Marcella “Ms. Lago” Araica (Mixing Engineer), Piper Payne (Mastering Engineer) and more. To further expand on Femme It Forward’s overall commitment to infusing women throughout all areas of the business’s operation, the conglomerate has also joined forces with distribution partner Stem and Parx Studios to develop its creative content.

Big Femme Energy is an expression of the unique duality of power and delicacy. Its about family, love, sisterhood, and the experiences that connect us as women. It celebrates the power, and achievements of women and girls, while sharing stories of insecurities, vulnerabilities and navigating mistakes, which every young woman can feel empowered by. It pays homage to those who came before us while paying it forward to those who will come after us,” said Heather Lowery, Executive Producer of Big Femme Energy. “From our all-female show lineups and the announcement of our Next Gem Femme mentorship program to the release of Big Femme Energy Volume 1 and the upcoming launch of our new indie label; Femme It Forward is truly a vessel to promote messages of intersectional feminism and empowerment while increasing the numbers for women in music across the board – from the artists, producers, writers and engineers to the executives and creatives behind the scenes. Were moving beyond just live events and entertainment; were changing the face of the music industry.

The skillfully curated album juxtaposes a soulful sound on tracks like “While I’m Alive” by Lauren Jauregui and “Who New by Tierra Whack, with powerful, high-energy tracks like “Cut ‘Em Off by Kiana Ledé; all with an underlying theme of empowering women to embrace their best selves. Paying homage to industry veterans that have paved the way was a common theme throughout the album with artists like Rapsody proclaiming “I think I’m Mary J, always did it how I wanted” in reference to Mary J. Blige on “Iconic” and SAYGRACE sampling Brandy’s “Have You Ever” on “If There Really Is A God.” From Tayla Parx’s unapologetic proclamation that this world would be nothing without women on the opening track “Mother Nature to Sinéad Harnett’s reminder that “inside you’ve always been enough” on the outro “Crown”, Big Femme Energy is full of quintessential summer anthems that will inspire women for generations to come.

Amazon Music, PUMA, and Glossier will further amplify Big Femme Energy with the release of new original content from the making of the album. Femme It Forward is also committed to donating a portion of the proceeds of all album sales to Next Gem Femme, its annual mentorship program focused on enhancing the futures of women of color by providing them with access and opportunities.

For more information about Big Femme Energy please visit the official website. 

BIG FEMME ENERGY VOLUME 1 TRACKLISTING

  1. “Mother Nature” Tayla Parx
  2. “While I’m Alive” Lauren Jauregui
  3. “Who Knew” Tierra Whack
  4. “Iconic” Rapsody
  5. “Cut ‘Em Off” Kiana Ledé
  6. “What You Deserve” Ambré
  7. “If There Really Is A God” SAYGRACE
  8. “At Your Worst” Baby Rose
  9. “Plain Jane” Muni Long
  10. “Crown” Sinéad Harnett

About Big Femme Energy

Big Femme Energy, an all-female compilation album filled with affirmations of self-empowerment, autonomy and strength is Femme It Forward’s latest step towards fostering more inclusivity in the music industry. The skillfully curated album juxtaposes soulful tracks with quintessential, high-energy anthems, all with an underlying theme of empowering women. Big Femme Energy is a public service announcement reminding women and young girls everywhere that they’ve always been enough.

About Femme It Forward

A joint venture with Live Nation Entertainment, Femme It Forward is a female-led music and entertainment company that centers its mission in celebrating, educating, and empowering the industry’s most creative and accomplished female visionaries through multi-format, multi-market consumer experiences. We produce music festivals, concerts, original music, original content, comedy shows, philanthropic endeavors, panels, college engagements and more. For more information on Femme It Forward, visit FemmeItForward.com. For live updates and to join the conversation, follow #FemmeItForward on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Science Tech Illustration by Gabrielle Archuleta

WonderWorks Panama x Good Vibrations

WonderWorks Panama City Beach has an array of exhibits that help educate people about science. The newest exhibit on earthquakes, called Good Vibrations, opens June 11, 2021. Good Vibrations will spotlight Tuckaleechee Caverns, and how they document seismic activity around the world. The new exhibit was a topic request from educators, so it seemed appropriate that they also name the exhibit.

“We are happy to offer this new exhibit about earthquakes, which was a request by teachers,” said Michael Walsingham, general manager of WonderWorks Panama City Beach. “People will have a great opportunity to learn about seismic activity, along with where and how it’s measured.”

The Tuckaleechee Caverns are home to the most sensitive seismic station on Earth. It detects any and all tectonic movement anywhere in the world. If a country is testing a nuclear weapon or there is an earthquake, it has that information within seconds. Once it does, within 300 of a millisecond, it relays that important information directly to the U.S. Military; Vienna, Austria and Geneva, Switzerland. The information is collected 24/7 and is crucial to national security, as well as being able to provide earthquake information.

The exhibit, Good Vibrations will help share the importance of the Tuckaleechee Caverns and what they are doing in monitoring seismic activity. The information in the exhibit meets the educational standards on earthquake and seismic activity, and is one of WonderWorks’ many STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) related learning exhibits. The exhibit name was suggested by teachers.

“This is going to be a great summer, with families taking the time to include learning activities along with having fun,” added Walsingham. “At WonderWorks, we are where learning and fun come together, with the whole family enjoying their time here.”

WonderWorks Panama City Beach offers many STEM-related exhibits and activities all year long. There are also demonstrations, activities, virtual learning labs, science fair partnerships, homeschool days, and more. To get more information about the WonderWorks STEM programs, visit the site at: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/panama-city-beach/stem-programs/.

To see a full list of the COVID-19 safety measures in place at WonderWorks Panama City Beach, visit the site at: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/panama-city-beach/covid-19.

The interactive indoor amusement park offers STEM-focused activities for all ages. There are over 100 hands-on activities that are focused on the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math. Some of the exhibits will include a bubble room, Professor Wonder’s adventure, interactive sandbox, illusion art gallery, and xtreme 360 bikes. For more information on WonderWorks, visit the site at: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/panama-city-beach/.

Children illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

The Oxford Method

The Oxford Method Puts Emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion

The Oxford Method, a tutoring community, is on a mission to help underprivileged students around the country

The pandemic changed how education was delivered for millions of students. While just about everyone was impacted, it has been especially difficult on minority students. According to McKinsey & Company, the disparities among student groups grew over the last year. It reports that when it comes to learning, the pandemic took a heavy toll on Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities around the country. It found that students of color had fallen 3-5 months behind, while white students were 1-3 months behind. One company, The Oxford Method, is out to help bridge that gap and bring those students up to speed.

“There must be a spotlight put on diversity and inclusion because the achievement gap has widened in the last year,” explains David Florence, professor and founder of The Oxford Method, a community that offers tutoring services around the country. “We are taking steps to help those students so they can get caught up and have the foundation they need to succeed.”

The Oxford Method is an online learning community made up of educators who help to provide tutoring to those in need. It provides a full range of tutoring services, covering all types of subjects, and has experienced educators who can work with all levels of students. They help students who are gifted, special needs, traditional, and from rural and urban areas around the nation.

The educational community helps underprivileged students in a variety of ways, including by:

  • Providing free computers and high-speed internet. With that, it provides free instruction to the students, including those who are special needs and gifted. 
  • Working with students who are in urban and rural areas. These are areas often overlooked and that fall short in the technology category.
  • Having instructors from all socio-economic, psychographics, demographics, and geographic areas. The community of educators not only has a mission of helping those who are in diverse categories, but they are a group that is diverse.

“We have helped many students who would otherwise have a difficult time getting assistance,” added Florence. “We look forward to helping even more to finish this school year strong, get caught up over summer break, and be able to go into the new school year feeling confident.”

The Oxford Method has over 100 tutors around the country, covering all subject areas. It offers online tutoring, as well as in-person and in-classroom options. Its tutoring services are available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The Oxford Method works with its nonprofit, Social Actualization, Inc., by giving it 10% of all profits. The funds are used to provide free computers, high-speed internet, and instruction to underprivileged families in urban and rural America. Plus, 40% of the instructors are PhDs, 40% have a master’s degree, and 20% have only a bachelor’s degree.

The Oxford Method believes that education is the great equalizer and the best gift you can give the next generation. Subject areas include science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), as well as business, social studies, psychology, English, history, public speaking, study methods, test-taking, and more. To get more information about The Oxford Method, visit the Oxford Method website.

Science Tech by Gabrielle Archuletta for use by 360 Magazine

Invention Convention Michigan Honors Student Inventors

The Henry Ford’s Invention Convention Michigan honored student inventors for their outstanding inventions and problem-solving solutions during a virtual awards ceremony. Based on this year’s entries, 15 student inventors from across the state will be participating in the Raytheon Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, powered by The Henry Ford, taking place virtually on June 24, 2021.

Invention Convention Michigan provides an opportunity for youth inventors and entrepreneurs, 3rd-12th grade, to display their critical thinking and entrepreneurial skills. It’s a space for the Michigan STEM community to celebrate and be inspired by inventors and entrepreneurs of all ages, backgrounds and disciplines. More than 750 students participated in Invention Convention Michigan in their classrooms in 2021, with 205 inventors qualifying in the state finals.

Students showcased their inventions/products to a group of judges who selected winners based on the inventor’s process, the project’s impact, the problem solved and the inventor’s presentation. The competition is broken down into age brackets based on the National Competition Rules, with one grand prize winner selected.

This year’s inventors taking home top honors include:

  • Twelfth-graders John Canelopoulos, Jonathan Jackson, Cayden Saunders from Northville High School, received the Grand Prize, presented by AAA and 1st place honors in the 9-12th grade category for their COVID-19 Effective Face Mask for Athletes.
  • Eleventh-graders Sasha Lee and Adam Vander-Molen from Huron High School, received the Make the World Award, presented by Stanley Black & Decker for their Search and Rescue Drone Attachment System.
  • Eleventh-grader Emma Kaipainen from Huron High School received the Sustainability Award, presented by BASF and 2nd place honors in the 9-12th grade category, for her Walking Shipping Container Home.
  • Fifth-grader Tyler Parks, from Novi Meadows, received the Best Display Board Award, presented by Kerr Russell and 2nd place honors in the 3rd-5th grade category for his “Mailbot”.

Other first place winners included Shreyas Ikare from Novi Meadows in the 6-8th grade category for the Green Energy-Wind Operated Car Power Outlet, and 3rd-5th grade category winner Praseeda Munnagi, an independent inventor from Ann Arbor, for the “Clean Cube.”

To watch the full awards ceremony, click HERE

About The Henry Ford

Located in Dearborn, Michigan, The Henry Ford, a globally recognized destination, fosters inspiration and learning from hands-on encounters with artifacts that represent the most comprehensive collection anywhere, focusing on innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness in America. Its unique venues include Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Benson Ford Research Center and Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school. Together with its online presence found HERE, its national television series, The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation, and Invention Convention Worldwide, The Henry Ford inspires individuals to unlock their potential and help shape a better future.

Book illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Education Tips For Children

7 Ways to Ensure Your Child Gets a Good Education

The Oxford Method, a tutoring community, offers tips to help your child be successful in school

Over the last year, during the pandemic, there have been many kids who have struggled academically. This is in part due to the millions who have had to do online learning and find the setup difficult. Whether children are learning online, in person, via classroom, or through a combination of the three, there are things that parents can do to help them be more successful. Knowing what to do can help make a world a difference and reduce the struggling.

“Many parents are aware of the way their kids are struggling with school over this school year,” explains David Florence, professor and founder of The Oxford Method, a community that offers tutoring services around the country. “Rather than let them fall behind, it’s a good idea to take action and do what you can to help them keep up and even pull ahead.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 93% of households with school-age children report that their kids have engaged in some sort of distance learning during the pandemic. They also report that the vast shift in the way kids are learning has also caused digital inequality because some kids don’t have access to computers and/or the Internet. Whether students are learning online or in class, there are things parents can do to help them get a good education.

Here 7 ways to help ensure your child gets a good education:

  1. Sleep. It’s crucial for a child to get enough sleep each night, which will help them to be more focused, as well as improve their behavior, quality of life, and mental and physical health. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that children ages 6-12 should get 9-12 hours of sleep per night, and teens ages 13-18 should get 8-10 hours of sleep per night.
  2. Teach value. It usually starts at home whether or not a child values an education. Parents who want their kids to get a good education should instill a love of learning in their children and teach them to value the education they are getting.
  3. Get them help. If your child is struggling, you may be able to help them, but there also comes a time when kids need a tutor to step in. A good tutor can make a world of difference in ensuring that a child gets a good education. They can help ensure that students will not fall behind and that they will get the foundation they need to move on in a subject.
  4. Show them how. Oftentimes, kids don’t know how to effectively study for a test or to take notes when they are in class. Take the time to show them how to do it effectively, as well as how to stay organized with their schooling. When students are organized, they are more likely to succeed.
  5. Ask them questions. Be sure to ask your kids how it is going, if they got their homework done, if they need any help, or if there’s anything they need to be more successful. They like to know that you are interested in how they are doing, so it’s good to show an active interest.
  6. Get involved. It’s always a good idea if you can get involved with the school and have good communication with the teacher. That way you will be aware of what is going on and know how to help your child more. Teachers love it when parents take an active interest in their child’s education.
  7. Praise your kids. Help kids to know what they are doing is right or what they are doing is wrong. Praising and encouraging the kids builds their confidence and helps them to succeed as they grow.

“Just about every parent has the ability to help kids succeed with their academics, even if it’s ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed,” added Florence. “We help parents be successful, even those who don’t have the funds to pay for a tutor. Our mission is to help as many students to achieve as we can.”

The Oxford Method has over 100 tutors around the country, covering all subject areas. They offer online tutoring, as well as in-person and in-classroom options. Their tutoring services are available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Instructors have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, with many of them having a master’s degree, Ph.D., and at least four years of teaching experience. The Oxford Method works with their nonprofit, Social Actualization, Inc., by giving them 10% of all profits. The funds are used to provide free computers, high-speed internet, and instruction to underprivileged families in urban and rural America. Plus, 40% of their instructors are PhDs, 40% have a master’s degree, and 20% have only a bachelor’s degree.

The Oxford Method believes that education is the great equalizer and the best gift you can give the next generation. Subject areas include science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), as well as business, social studies, psychology, English, history, public speaking, study methods, test-taking, and more. To get more information about The Oxford Method, visit the website.

Wonderworks image by Cher Murphy PR for 360 Magazine

WonderWorks Syracuse Reopens

After a Year of Pandemic Closure, WonderWorks Syracuse Reopens with a New Exhibit

The moment so many people have patiently waited for is here. WonderWorks Syracuse will officially reopen on March 26, 2021. While Canyon Climb ropes course re-opened in August 2020, WonderWorks has been closed for nearly a year due to the pandemic. With the reopening, WonderWorks will have new rules and covid safety measures to help keep people safe and socially distanced.

“We are thrilled to be able to get our doors back open and welcome people to come on in,” says Nicole Montgomery, general manager of WonderWorks Syracuse. “We know that people are ready to get out and do things, and we offer a great mix of fun and educational activities, with something for everyone in the family.”

Some of the changes that patrons can expect when visiting WonderWorks Syracuse include:

  • Being cashless. Be sure to bring an electronic form of payment or purchase your tickets online ahead of time because WonderWorks will no longer be accepting cash.
  • WonderWorks is reopening on a reservation basis only, which will keep its capacity to 50 people. It will only be allowing 50 people inside every 30 minutes.
  • The hours will be limited to start with, which is currently noon–6 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and 11 a.m.–7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Tickets will be available for advanced sale soon.
  • There will be COVID measures taken, such as staff health screenings and guest temperature checks before entering. Additionally, guests over the age of two must wear a face covering and everyone must adhere to social distancing of six feet.
  • WonderWorks is providing sanitizer stations throughout.

“Come on out and have some fun,” added Montgomery. “We have a lot to offer, including ropes courses, laser tag, rides, science exhibits and more.”

WonderWorks reopens with its newest exhibit that incorporates student artists. CNY Art: New York Youth Art Gallery held its first annual contest, the winning masterpieces will be on display for a year.

WonderWorks ropes course, called Canyon Climb, is the world’s largest suspended indoor ropes course. It offers three levels and 81 obstacles. Additional attractions include laser tag, where people can have fun strapping on a laser tag vest and competing in a fast-paced, action-packed battle of laser tag, a 4D XD motion theater, and various fun and educational zones. The zones focus on weather, light and sound, physical challenges, space discovery, imagination and art.

WonderWorks Syracuse recently launched some educational programs, including virtual learning labs and homeschool days. It also offers group rates, scouting programs, sensory days, birthday parties and corporate events.

To see a full list of COVID-19 safety measures being taken, visit the site.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the site.

For information on the exhibit, CNY Art: New York Youth Art Gallery, visit their website.

About WonderWorks

WonderWorks, a science-focused indoor amusement park, combines both education and entertainment into one venue. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, there is something unique and challenging for all ages. Feel the power of 71 mph hurricane-force winds in the Hurricane Shack. Make life-sized bubbles in the Bubble Lab. Get the NASA treatment and experience zero gravity in our Astronaut Training Gyro. Nail it by lying on the death-defying Bed of Nails. WonderWorks is located in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Panama City Beach, Myrtle Beach, Syracuse and Branson. For more information, visit their website and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

analysis illustration by Rita Azar for 360 Magazine

Sphere We Go! STEM Exhibit

WonderWorks Orlando Unveils New STEM Exhibit Explaining Earth’s Spheres: Sphere We Go!

WonderWorks Orlando announces the opening of a new exhibit focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The new exhibit topic will focus on the layers of the Earth’s spheres and is scheduled to open March 11, 2021.

“Earth is a topic that most people love to learn about, so we are excited about this new exhibit,” says Brian Wayne, general manager of WonderWorks Orlando. “This will give families a fun way to learn about this STEM topic, whether it’s just for fun or if they are looking for a way to expand upon their child’s formal education.”

The new exhibit will help teach people about the four different layers in Earth’s spheres, including the lithosphere (or geosphere), hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere. In addition to learning about each layer, the exhibit also explains how the four layers interact with each other. The new exhibit will include images and content to read. There is also a 3D hologram high-definition video–no special glasses required–that provides a visual explanation of the layers and how they interact, to enhance the viewing experience.

STEM education, according to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, focuses on teaching children real-world applications that help develop a variety of skill sets. Some of the skills children gain through STEM education include technology literacy, problem solving, creativity, curiosity, critical thinking and being innovative. Finding ways to introduce them to STEM topics in a fun way can help to get them more interested.

“We look forward to helping families learn more about the spheres that make up Earth,” added Wayne. “We continue in our mission of making learning fun!”

To choose the name for the new poll, WonderWorks held a poll asking people to choose from three names. Employees and social media users weighed in, with the following being the outcome of the exhibit name poll: Sphere We Go! is the official new name of the exhibit.

  1. Sphere We Go! – 51% of the vote
  2. Get Outta Sphere! – 38%
  3. Sphere Not These Earthly Layers! – 11%

Additional onsite and community programs include the WonderWorks WonderKids event, virtual learning labs, FLO-Art Florida Youth Art Gallery, science fair partnerships, online science information and worksheets and a homeschool program. WonderWorks Orlando also offers various STEM activities, including virtual learning labs, onsite exhibits, activities and more.

To learn more about the programs offered at WonderWorks Orlando, visit the site.

Due to a county-wide mask restriction in Orlando, guests will need to bring one with them. WonderWorks does also have some for sale onsite. WonderWorks has implemented COVID-19 safety protocols, including reduced capacity and hours, enhanced cleaning efforts, social distancing measures, hand sanitizer stations, employee health screenings and employee personal protective equipment (PPE). Guests are encouraged to review all safety rules before their visit on the webpage devoted to COVID-19.

About WonderWorks

WonderWorks, the upside-down adventure, is a science-focused indoor amusement park for the mind that holds something unique and exciting for visitors of all ages. Guests enter through an upside-down lobby with the ceiling at their feet, the ground above their head and must pass through an inversion tunnel to turn right side up. There are three floors of nonstop “edu-tainment,” with over 100 hands-on and interactive exhibits that serve a STEM educational purpose to challenge the mind and spark the imagination. WonderWorks Orlando is also home to The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. WonderWorks is located in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Myrtle Beach, Panama City Beach, Syracuse and Branson. For more information, visit the site.

mail by Purdue University and Adranos Inc. for 360 Magazine

Adranos’ Indiana Manufacturing Plant

Adranos Inc., a Purdue University-affiliated company that has developed a high-performance, solid rocket fuel called ALITEC for long-range missile and space launch systems, announced plans Wednesday (Feb. 3) to construct a facility in the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette to manufacture ALITEC in support of various launch systems, including hypersonic systems.

The company has obtained $5.1 million in land, funding and tax credits collectively from Purdue Research Foundation and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

Adranos will use these incentives to construct its facility in the Purdue Research Park. Adranos expects to serve a broad customer base, including the major military branches and relevant aerospace and defense contractors. The facility will support ongoing efforts that Adranos is currently performing through its rocket motor research and development division.

Adranos plans to create up to 50 new jobs by the end of 2025.

“ALITEC’s performance benefits make it an ideal solution for any solid rocket system that is seeking to extend range, increase payload capacity or reduce rocket form factor,” said Chris Stoker, CEO of Adranos. “This facility will enable us to scale these solutions to the large volumes that will be required by our customers.”

Expansion of Adranos’s manufacturing capabilities aligns with the state of Indiana’s goals of increasing defense spending and becoming a leader in the development of hypersonic technologies. Adranos is currently performing work sponsored by the Department of Defense to evaluate ALITEC in both solid rocket boosters for hypersonic programs and in air breathing systems called solid-fuel ramjets, which use solid rocket fuel. As demand for ALITEC grows, so too will defense spending in the state.

“Indiana is committed to embracing disruptive technology like Adranos’s ALITEC to bolster its economic industries and position the state for long-term global competitiveness and economic growth in the defense sector,” said retired Major Gen. Omer C. (Clif) Tooley, IEDC President of defense development. “Indiana is ranked No. 1 in the nation in tech job growth among small firms, and as a state we’ll continue supporting innovative companies like Adranos and securing our spot as a top place to grow and innovate.”

Similarly, Adranos’s growth aligns with PRF’s mission of innovating and commercializing technologies developed at Purdue University. By supporting Adranos’s efforts to establish a production facility, PRF is enabling the transition of ALITEC production from laboratory scale to production scale.

“Adranos is another exciting example of an innovative company that touches many parts of the Purdue commercialization ecosystem,” said Brian Edelman, president of the Purdue Research Foundation. “We are thrilled that this new facility in Purdue Research Park will help further advance the Adranos technology and boost the state’s economy.”

Recently, Adranos won more than $3.2 million in government contracts, was named to Pepperdine University’s most fundable companies list, and took the grand prize at the Army’s inaugural xTechSearch competition.

Technology used by Adranos is licensed through the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization, which patented the technology. Adranos is located in Purdue Research Park.

IEDC offered Adranos up to $525,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $200,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. IEDC also offered up to $500,000 in conditional tax credits from the Hoosier Business Investment tax credit program based on the company’s planned capital investment in Indiana. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired and investments are made. The company has also been awarded $75,000 in Small Business Innovation Research matching grants from Elevate Ventures, and received $20,000 in funding through the Elevate Purdue Foundry Fund.