In December, a new Biocluster location began operating in the capital – booth number 28 “Beekeeping”. The first publicly accessible entomology laboratory in Russia was opened here, the Komsomolskaya Pravda website reported.
There, visitors have the opportunity to study insects under a microscope and participate in science education programs. Furthermore, visitors can not only observe objects through a microscope but also observe them on a large screen.
As the press service of the Ministry of Culture clarified, classes are held in the laboratory, which detail the structure of insects, their diversity in Moscow and the basics of beekeeping. The interactive exhibition “Noisy World” explores the lives of insects, with a special focus on honey bees.
At the exhibition, insects are displayed from all sides, making it possible to study them comprehensively. For example, in one of the showrooms there is a large model of a green grasshopper, created specifically for booth number 28.
Nearby is a three-dimensional image of the grasshopper's mouthpart, which not only glows but also simulates the movement of its head. Thanks to these exhibits, you can examine each seta and part of the proboscis in detail. In addition, during the tours, scientific staff tell visitors where grasshoppers live, what their role is in nature and why they should not be afraid.
Right behind it is another unique pattern – the mouth part of a mosquito. As in the case of the grasshopper, a hologram was added to it, turning this part of the exhibition into a “panic room”.
One after another, two giant bees came to the exhibition from the old collection. Previously, these insects were especially popular with visitors, but after updating the exhibition, it was decided to replace the original specimens with more accurate copies.
VR glasses are installed next to the models, allowing guests to see “The Noisy World” through the eyes of a bee. However, the staff recommends caution when using this media format for people with vestibular problems.
At the same time, for wildlife lovers, a variety of insects are displayed in the display case, including African bronze beetles. Through the glass, visitors can observe their interesting gait and active life.
Through the glass, visitors can observe their interesting gait and active life. The same approach was used at the exhibition “Morphology. Wildlife”, where people can get acquainted with spiders, centipedes, cockroaches and other creatures that cause fear. Many visitors to the Biocluster have repeatedly expressed gratitude to the research staff for the opportunity to view their phobia from a new perspective.
In total, the Biocluster has prepared for visitors more than 1,100 artifacts from the Biological Museum's insect collection, live insects in the insectarium, and multimedia games that help distinguish between biting and harmless creatures. At the same time, a special “panic room” will tell you which insects are scary and which are actually harmless.
Previously, the Botanical Garden “Apothecary Garden” of Moscow State University announced the exhibition “Spring Rehearsal”. It will take place from February 14 to March 9.
More than 10 thousand tulips, daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, almonds and many other plants will bloom two months earlier than their natural schedule. The main theme of this season is the mysterious gardens of Samarkand and Bukhara.