Science Signage

As important as it is, medical science sometimes seems inaccessible to the public. Sure, there are more television commercials for prescription drugs than ever before, and the Internet boasts a wealth of information. But what about one-on-one time in the lab with biotechnology and (mock) patients?

Biogen Idec’s Community Lab Cambridge gives students in grades 6 to 12 the chance to immerse themselves in a research lab, where they can study their own DNA or conduct experiments with hemoglobin.

To create an inviting environment for learning and discovery, the lab turned to Aesthetics Inc. (San Diego). The results are bright, welcoming walls that look more like an art gallery than a cold laboratory. Murals were printed on 3M Controltac film (with help from San Diego-based Moebius) for colorful depictions of bacteria under a microscope. Arrays of digitally printed photos were output on HP super-heavy-weight-plus matte paper using the HP DesignJet 5000PS printer. Rowlux Illusion plastic film and Acrycast non-glare acrylic were also used for the abstract and detail images.

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