Allergies get people talking!

Exhibition et education programme

More than one person in four is affected by allergies. By 2050, one in two will be affected. It is therefore not surprising that we talk about them so much! It is informative, interactive, and fun, the exhibition demystify this disturbance of the immune system and acquire many new ideas to better understand and cope with allergies.

Laboratories

Dressed in a lab coat, young and old alike learn about different facets of the health issue of allergies.

Allergies under scrutiny

Laboratory offered to the general public and school groups

With a microscope, observe the white blood cells involved in allergic reactions. Using a binocular magnifier, also identify various allergens such as dust mites, pollens and molds.

Demystifying asthma

Laboratory offered to the general public and school groups

Demystify asthma, the most frequent chronic respiratory illness in children, sometimes caused by allergies. Carry out activities to discover the anatomy of the lungs and, using a peak flow meter, measure bronchial obstruction.

Hunting for molds

Laboratory offered only to school groups

Cotton swab in hand, search for areas that favor the presence of molds and take some samples. Then, inoculate the nutrient agars on which the collected molds will grow. Discover how to reduce the presence of microscopic fungi that sometimes cause allergies.

Searching for antibodies

Laboratory offered only to school groups

Micropipettes in hand, search for IgE antibodies in the serum of an imaginary patient, suspected of being allergic to various pollens. Carry out a key experiment in immunology: an ELISA test. Working in a team, discuss the results obtained and reach a diagnosis!

Food allergens: a little, a lot, or none at all?

Laboratory offered only to school groups

Determine the quantity of a food allergen in a mystery sample: that is the challenge you must take on! Use a technique called radial immunodiffusion that allows to detect the presence of proteins.