Scientists from the MRC National Institute for Medical Research entertained shoppers in North Finchley with demonstrations of science concepts. They showed how internal friction dominates inertia in viscous corn syrup using dye experiments. They also explained that the same phenomenon is why microbes and sperm do not swim like fish. The scientists were promoting both the institute and the Medical Research Council, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, as many people in the area were unaware of the nearby world-class medical research being conducted.

1. MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London
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A passer-by stops to see a demonstration of how internal friction
dominates inertia in viscous corn syrup. This has unexpected
consequences, like dyes that won't mix on stirring. The same
phenomenon explains why microbes and sperm don't swim like fish!
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Corn syrup demonstration - close-up
NIMR buskers take science to Tally Ho corner
31 July 2013
NIMR scientists took to the road to entertain shoppers in North Finchley and help spread the word about NIMR science. They highlighted
the achievements of the Medical Research Council which is celebrating its centenary this year.
A team of NIMR science buskers entertained shoppers at Tally Ho corner in North Finchley last month. Working in teams of two people each,
they showed simple handheld tricks to divert passers-by then explained some science facts. The routines led to discussion of neurosciences,
infectious disease, biophysics, chemistry and structural biology.
Science busking is a small-scale public outreach technique – a way to engage the public with science – that has become very popular in the last
few years. It is science by stealth: fun, informal and entertaining. The aim of science busking is both to entertain and to engage people with
science.
The NIMR buskers also talked about the Medical Research Council (MRC) and about NIMR. According to a recent YouGov survey commissioned
by the MRC, only 24% of people from London have ever met a medical research scientist, despite the fact that life-changing science often
happens right on their doorstep. Almost half (49 per cent) of people in London don’t know their taxes fund medical research in the UK. Many of
the shoppers in North Finchley who stopped to talk to the science buskers were surprised to hear that there is a world-class medical research
institute, NIMR, just around the corner.
During 2013 the MRC is celebrating a hundred years of life-changing discoveries and taking time to reflect on its many
achievements in medical research, looking forward to what medical research will deliver in the future. MRC-funded
research continues to have a huge impact on both health in the UK and worldwide as well as our economy and society.

2. Click image to view at full-size
Demonstration that we have a dominant eye.
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Two science buskers, easily identifiable by their labcoat and MRC
T-shirts.