Shanghai Fisheries University has set up three "science shops" in communities around Shanghai to provide information on food safety, nutrition and aquarium maintenance to local residents.

The shops, which are based on similar centers set up in the Netherlands in the 1970s, are not stores in the traditional sense, but a small entity supported by a university that spreads scientific knowledge and provide consultation services to community residents.

Similar centers have been set up in more than 20 countries to carry out scientific research in response to questions raised by local residents.

Shanghai government will fund the local centers, while students and faculty members from the university will provide information on how to select, store and cook food to ensure that it is safe, a growing concern in Shanghai.

They will also help fish lovers take care of their aquariums.

"It's meaningful for us to reach out to local communities," said university vice president Huang Xijiang. "Many locals seem to be concerned about food safety and aquarium knowledge, but they lack convenient and direct access to information."

At a science shop in Zhabei District's Fangualong Community, students helped a resident who was having a problem with his aquarium.

The elderly man surnamed Liu said he was delighted the students were able to solve the problem with his water filter, which had caused the death of 10 goldfish.

University officials said they plan to establish seven science shops throughout Shanghai by 2008. They will eventually offer more services, including testing drinking water.

Residents can send questions or set up an in-home visit by logging on to the university's Website (www.scienceshop.shfu.edu.cn), which offers information in English.

(Shanghai Daily March 26, 2007)