Danone Research presents the Arch of Microorganisms, an designes to change our view of bacteria
For the first time, DANONE RESEARCH is presenting its science to the general public through an exhibition designed as an exploratory voyage through the world of bacteria
Bacteria are live microorganisms. They are the oldest form of life. They first emerged on the earth approximately four billion years ago. Without bacteria, irrespective of whether we consider them 'good' or 'bad', all other forms of life would be impossible. Bacteria are absolutely ubiquitous. In man, they constitute an independent ecosystem, the intestinal flora, which scientists now refer to as the 'microbiota'. The flora resides in our gastrointestinal tract. The flora which helps to digest some foods is essential to the human being. Most of the time, bacteria are related to diseases. Thus, the primary aim of the exhibition is to call into question the tenacious prejudice that leads to all bacteria being considered harmful.
For 20 years, the scientific community has been addressing the beneficial role that certain bacteria could play with respect to health. Brought by foodstuff, these bacteria are referred to as 'probiotic' bacteria. A new field of investigation is emerging: study of the intestinal flora, its interaction with probiotics and man, and the effects of those interactions on health. This development is reflected in the increasing number of scientific publications on the subject (500 references published in 2006 vs. just 150 10 years ago).
Groupe DANONE has made elucidating the interactions between the intestinal flora, probiotics and man, one of the priorities of its research. Danone Research is thus inviting the 50,000 expected visitors to the Grand Palais to take part in this exploratory voyage.
An exhibition designed to explore the nature and interactions between three determinant entities: man, the intestinal flora and probiotics.
The interactions between each of those three entities constitute the scenographic concept and underlie the spatial organization of the exhibition. The three arches illustrate the interactions and link together the entities. Each of the arches defines a space within which instruments promoting comprehension and elucidation have been deployed in order to enable the visitor to tailor his/her reading of the subject.
The Danone Research project was selected from over 200 dossiers submitted to the Ministry for Higher Education and Research subsequent to a call for proposals.
The European Science City: the inaugural event of the Science Fair
Organized during the French presidency of the European Union by the Ministry for Higher Education and Research, the European Science City will open its doors in the nave of the Grand Palais from November 14 through 16, 2008.
The inaugural event of the Science Fair will initiate a direct and lively dialogue between science and society. Moving through the squares and streets of the European City, the expected 50,000 visitors will become acquainted with 70 exhibition spaces presenting, in a concrete and accessible manner, the work and results of European research teams through events and workshops, innovative objects that are sometimes monumental, and meetings.
Younger visitors will enjoy a specific space where ludic and pedagogic programs will join forces to ensure learning through games and good humor.
The event has been labeled the 'European Cultural Season'.
Press contacts
Françoise Néant, PhD
Danone Research - +33 1 69 35 72 43 - +33 6 17 70 63 23 -
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Mélanie Chaboissier
Burson-Marsteller Agency - +33 1 41 86 76 72 - +33 6 25 39 19 58 -
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Aurélia Parrot
VFC Agency- +33 1 47 57 85 56 -
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