Morrill Hall's 'Sunday Scientist' explores DNA June 17

            The University of Nebraska State Museum's next Sunday with a Scientist program for children and families will explore DNA, the blueprint for life on Earth. The program will take place from 1:30-4:30 p.m. June 17 at Morrill Hall. Morrill Hall is south of 14th and Vine Streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campu. It's Sunday hours are 1:30-4:30 p.m.

            "DNA: The Molecule of Life" will be led by Rebecca Y. Lai, an assistant professor in the UNL Department of Chemistry. Lai, along with graduate students from the department and support from the Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, will help visitors better understand the history, structure and importance of DNA through visuals and hands-on activities. Lai's research focuses on the development of electrochemical biosensors, including sensors for detection of DNA. Electrochemical sensing has the potential for many important applications, from detecting cancer to explosives.

            Upcoming Sunday with a Scientist topics: July 15 -- Fruit Biology; Sept. 16 -- Biofuels; Oct. 21 -- Ogallala Aquifer; Nov. 18 -- Birds; Dec. 16 -- Platte River Time Lapse Project. There is no event in August because of UNL's Big Red Welcome festival.

            Sunday with a Scientist is a series of presentations that highlight the work of State Museum scientists and those from other UNL departments and institutions, while educating children and families on a variety of topics related to science and natural history. Presenters share scientific information in a fun and informal way through demonstrations, activities, or by conducting their science on site. Sunday with a Scientist programs are 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Morrill Hall on the third Sunday of each month. For updates on the Sunday with a Scientist schedule, visit the museum's website, www.museum.unl.edu.

            The NU State Museum in Morrill Hall is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Regular admission is $5 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and under are free), and $10 for families (up to two adults and children). UNL staff, faculty, and students are admitted free with valid NU ID. Friends of the Museum are also free with valid membership card. There is an additional charge for planetarium shows. Parking is free.

Writer: Dana Ludvik, Public Relations Coordinator, NU State Museum, 402-472-3779