Huazhong Agricultural University hosted its 2025 Laboratory Open Day event on Jan 10. The program featured a showcase of technological advancements and tastings that attracted nearly 500 people, including members of the public, students and faculty.
Throughout the event, the air was filled with the alluring scents of various food items crafted using cutting-edge technology. From black rice to yeast smoothies, popcorn, oranges, and tomatoes, the diverse array of offerings at the tasting booths attracted a crowd of eager onlookers.
"The raspberry-flavored yeast β-glucan is quite delightful. It's a natural immune polysaccharide found in yeast cell walls, known for its anti-inflammatory properties," said one of the on-site staff members.
Soon after, lines also began to form at the freeze-dried corn and popcorn stalls.
Among the offerings, black rice emerged as the most sought-after staple product, quickly becoming the center of attention and selling out at one point. In the meantime, the sweet fragrance of oranges enchanted young visitors, while the highland barley peach gum soup and Ganoderma lucidum spore garnered high praise.
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People sample navel oranges at the 2025 Laboratory Open Day event. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]
Additionally, the science achievement poster area proved to be a popular spot, with many people pausing to observe and learn. Science communicators provided educational insights, detailing the research and development processes behind the showcased products and their respective advantages.
The overarching goal of this event was to seamlessly merge scientific research, technological innovations, and public education, thereby enhancing the influence of technological achievements within the community and further propelling the integration of academia, industry, and research.