Science comes alive through experiments and innovations

FROM flames dancing to music and 4D printing for biomedical applications to an interactive gut microbiome experiment showcasing the effects of antibiotics on the body, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) turned into a hub of scientific exploration as it opened its doors to the public for Open Day 2025.

- RISHITA KHANNA @Bengaluru

The canopied campus buzzed with over 60,000 science enthusiasts, students, and professionals on Saturday, who witnessed live experiments and hands-on demonstrations. Highlights included 'Cloud in a Bottle,' 'Ocean Waves,' and an 'Interactive Earthquake Viewer,' which captivated visitors of all ages.

Dancing flames The Combustion, Gasification, and Propulsion Laboratory at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research, IISc, showcased the Ruben's Tube experiment, where flames appeared to "dance" to music. The experiment demonstrated how sound waves create pressure variations, making the normally invisible waves visible through fire. Visitors watched as flames formed mesmerizing patterns, rising and falling in sync with different sound frequencies.