COSI unveils “Labs in Life” OSU researchers will conduct studies in new labs

(Columbus) May 15, 2009- Imagine visiting a science museum and watching as researchers make new discoveries before your very eyes. That dream is now reality at COSI, the Center of Science and Industry. Labs in Life@COSI is the nation’s first example of an active, working research laboratory in a science museum created in partnership with The Ohio State University and the College of Education and Human Ecology.

Labs in Life@COSI feature working laboratories where real-time research takes place daily in full public view. Set inside COSI’s Life exhibition area, the labs showcase research in physical activity, nutrition, body composition, and health with state-of-the-art equipment. Ohio State researchers, graduate and undergraduate students will staff the labs and serve as inspiring role models for COSI’s visitors.

"This latest partnership between Ohio State and COSI incorporates the core purposes of both institutions," said University President E. Gordon Gee. "We are honored that some of our most accomplished faculty are conducting research there and engaging young people and families in the wonder and excitement of science."

“This truly is a one of a kind partnership,” said David Chesebrough President & CEO of COSI. “This innovative and publicly visible venue allows scientists to conduct research while simultaneously giving visitors a meaningful and personally relevant experience.”

The labs feature equipment and research that estimate body composition (i.e., percent of body lean versus body fat), studies bone mass and density, measures calories burned and metabolic rates along with ability to work and play, and measures the strength of the major muscles.

Labs in Life@COSI represent a powerful addition to COSI’s resources to support community health and is a model that has already garnered the attention and interest of science center/university partnerships nationally.

About COSI

COSI is Columbus' dynamic hands-on science center and was recently named the #1 science center in the country by Parents Magazine. COSI features over 300 interactive exhibitions and over 100,000 square feet of exhibit space. COSI also offers a variety of special events, family programs, camps, and more. For information about hours, rates, and more, visit www.cosi.org. COSI. Real science. Real possibilities.