SRI International to Showcase Fun Science Demos at Bay Area Science Festival's Discovery Days Finale at AT&T Park

MENLO PARK, Calif., Nov. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., SRI will join other San Francisco Bay Area science organizations at Discovery Days at AT&T Park, a family-friendly celebration of science. The free event will feature a nonstop program of 170 interactive exhibits, experiments, games, and shows, all meant to entertain and inspire interest in science.

At two SRI booths located in the "BayBio Alley" area on the ball field, researchers will lead attendees through fun interactive activities. They will answer questions about the science involved and how it translates into research they conduct every day to help solve some of the world's toughest problems.

SRI's activities include:

• Electrostatics and Wall-Climbing Robots: Learn about the physics of electrostatics with air-filled balloons. Researchers will show how this principle was used to develop SRI's wall-climbing robot that seems to defy gravity, and gripping devices that cling to and lift objects without leaving a mark.
• Olfactory Sensing: Researchers will offer a hands-on demonstration to explain how the sense of smell works and show how it is used in their research when they investigate the "olfactory footprints" of explosives or diseases.
• Brain Function: What do you know about your brain? Real brains will be used to describe basic anatomy and brain health. Researchers will answer questions, and visitors will have an opportunity to touch a brain.
• Beneficial Microbes: Visitors will learn about the "good bugs" found in food and that are used for transportation fuels and medicines such as antibiotics and insulin. Learn about the microbes involved in creating consumer products by reading science clues and by talking to microbiologists.

This event is the finale of the Bay Area Science Festival, 10 days of activities designed to engage San Francisco Bay Area residents in a celebration of the region's scientific wonders, resources, and opportunities by exploring the role of science, engineering, and technology locally and around the world.

More about the Bay Area Science Festival: www.bayareascience.org

About SRI International

Silicon Valley-based SRI International, a nonprofit research and development organization, performs sponsored R&D for governments, businesses, and foundations. SRI brings its innovations to the marketplace through technology licensing, new products, and spin-off ventures. Commemorating its 65th anniversary in 2011, SRI is known for world-changing innovations in computing, health and pharmaceuticals, chemistry and materials, sensing, energy, education, national defense, and more.

SOURCE SRI International