Cells send messages. Bacteria whisper. And Night of Science visitors witnessed these processes first-hand! The Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) presentation attracted around 150 visitors on 25 September 2026 at Mendel University in Brno. From young children to adults, everyone could find something that interested them, try a fun quiz and discover how cells and bacteria communicate without mobile phones or Wi-Fi.
In Building M2, we presented two aspects on how cells and microorganisms communicate. The programme combined learning with fun activities, showing that even seemingly complex scientific topics can be explained in an accessible and engaging way.
Cellular Messenger and Bacterial “Chat”
The presentation “Extracellular Vesicles in Cell Communication: The Body’s Messengers” introduced visitors to tiny vesicles that cells use to send important messages to one another. Instead of words and emojis, these vesicles carry proteins and genetic material. Visitors could then discover how this invisible delivery service works inside our bodies.
The “Secret Language of Bacteria” stand offered an insight into the chemical communication between microorganisms, known as quorum sensing. Visitors looked through an unconventional ‘microscope’, decoded colour-coded messages and even created one of their own to take home.
The programme also featured fun quizzes, giving visitors of all ages the chance to test their knowledge and learn something new. Both children and adults had the chance to put their scientific knowledge to the test.
We would like to thank all our visitors for their interest, and our colleagues at VRI for preparing the programme and presenting it to the public.
We would also like to thank the Ministry of Agriculture for its financial support for VRI’s participation as part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s annual plan for specialist education of the public (RVP MZe). In 2026, this support is aimed at children and young people, enabling us to introduce the younger generation to veterinary research, agriculture, and animal and human health.
