As part of Justus' Children's University at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), Prof. Dr. Natascha Sommer, Adjunct Faculty member at the Institute for Lung Health (ILH) and expert in Mitochondrial Signaling in Pulmonary Vascular and Airway Diseases, captivated young minds aged 8 to 12 with an engaging exploration of the human respiratory system.
In the university's main auditorium, the children attentively followed Prof. Dr. Sommer’s explanation of how air enters the lungs through the nose, how oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream, and how carbon dioxide is expelled. She also introduced them to the "little cleaners" in the lungs—cells with cilia that filter out pollutants and pathogens from the air, transporting them toward the throat. The children learned how these cells contribute to the formation of mucus and why this is vital for health.
The event not only provided a fascinating insight into the workings of the human body but also enhanced the children's understanding of the importance of breathing and lung health.
Justus' Children's University is a successful initiative by JLU that brings scientific topics closer to young people in a playful and age-appropriate way, sparking their interest in research and science.
For more information and upcoming events, visit the JLU website: www.uni-giessen.de/kinderuni.
