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Podcasts Take Two
Natural History Museum asks Angelenos to be scientists in new learning lab (Photos)
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Jun 7, 2013
Listen • 4:00
Natural History Museum asks Angelenos to be scientists in new learning lab (Photos)
LA's Natural History Museum is celebrating its 100th anniversary with new exhibits, parties, and an expansive outdoor garden. The new green space is more than a new attraction, and it'll also function as a research laboratory.
As of now, the BioSCAN project is using museum staff and USC students to sort the collected insects. Later this summer, the museum will begin accepting volunteers from the public to help out as well.
As of now, the BioSCAN project is using museum staff and USC students to sort the collected insects. Later this summer, the museum will begin accepting volunteers from the public to help out as well.
(
Mae Ryan/KPCC
)
Scientist Dean Pentcheff checks one of the insect traps for this week's catch. This collection site is located in the museum's new Nature Gardens, which opens June 9.
Scientist Dean Pentcheff checks one of the insect traps for this week's catch. This collection site is located in the museum's new Nature Gardens, which opens June 9.
(
Mae Ryan/KPCC
)
Once the insects are trapped in the collection container, they soak in alcohol which helps preserve the bugs tissue and DNA.
Once the insects are trapped in the collection container, they soak in alcohol which helps preserve the bugs tissue and DNA.
(
Mae Ryan/KPCC
)
After the insects are collected in the field, they're brought into the lab and sorted according to type. Larger insects have to be carefully combed because smaller insects can get stuck under their wing or in other crevices.
After the insects are collected in the field, they're brought into the lab and sorted according to type. Larger insects have to be carefully combed because smaller insects can get stuck under their wing or in other crevices.
(
Mae Ryan/KPCC
)
(
Mae Ryan/KPCC
)
Once the insects are sorted they are mounted for permanent storage at the museum. Scientist Dean Pentcheff said they will be preserved for studies for years to come.
Once the insects are sorted they are mounted for permanent storage at the museum. Scientist Dean Pentcheff said they will be preserved for studies for years to come.
(
Mae Ryan/KPCC
)

LA's Natural History Museum is celebrating its 100th anniversary with new exhibits, parties, and an expansive outdoor garden. The new green space is more than a new attraction, and it'll also function as a research laboratory.

LA's Natural History Museum is celebrating its 100th anniversary with new exhibits, parties, and an expansive outdoor garden. The new green space is more than a new attraction, and it'll also function as a research laboratory. 

As KPCC's Hayley Fox reports, it is part of a project called Bioscan, and they are looking for some new recruits.