National Museum of Natural History genome exhibition unlocks 21st-century science of life

WASHINGTON, DC.- The Smithsonians National Museum of Natural History, in partnership with the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health, opened Genome: Unlocking Lifes Code June 14a multimedia exhibition that explores how the genomic revolution is influencing peoples lives and the extraordinary impact it is having on science, medicine and nature.

The exhibition looks at the complexities of the genomethe complete set of genetic or hereditary material of a living organismand chronicles the remarkable breakthroughs that have taken place since the completion of the Human Genome Project 10 years ago. With cutting-edge interactives, 3-D models, custom animation and engaging videos of real-life stories, the exhibition examines both the benefits and the challenges that genomics presents to modern society.

Genome: Unlocking Lifes Code is on view at the National Museum of Natural History through Sept. 1, 2014, when it will begin a tour of venues throughout North America.

Genomic research is a vital tool for exploring the mysteries of the natural world, and it is an important part of Smithsonian science, said Kirk Johnson, the Sant Director of the National Museum of Natural History.

Genome: Unlocking Lifes Code will help our visitors understand how genomics is transforming what we know about ourselves and how we make important life decisions.

Genome: Unlocking Lifes Code celebrates the anniversaries of two landmark scientific discoveries: the 10th anniversary of the Human Genome Projects first completely sequenced human genome and the 60th anniversary of James Watson and Francis Cricks discovery of DNAs double helix structure.

This exhibition reflects a remarkably productive collaboration between two scientific icons of the U.S. governmentthe Smithsonian Institution and the National Institutes of Health, said Dr. Eric D. Green, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, one of the 27 institutes and centers that make up NIH in Bethesda. Our ability to share the science of genomics with the more than 7 million annual visitors to the National Museum of Natural History is profoundly exciting for the broader genomics research community.

When visitors enter the 4,400-square-foot exhibition they will be immersed in an interactive environment that communicates the pervasiveness of genomic science and provides new ways of looking at themselvesas individuals, as members of a family and a species, and as part of the diversity of all life.

Genome: Unlocking Lifes Code is organized around four themed areas, offering visitors personalized and interactive experiences that examine what a genome is (The Genome Within Us), how it is related to medicine and health (Your Genome, Your Health), how it connects them to all of life (Connections: Natural World and Genomic Journey) and how it is a part of their own personal story (Genome Zone):

The Genome Within UsAt the center of the exhibition, museumgoers will explore how the genome is a part of their own bodies. They will discover what a genome is, where it is located in the human body (in the cell nucleus), why it matters and how it influences life, all through introductory videos produced by the History channel. Visitors will see three-dimensional models of a human genome and watch historic interviews with Human Genome Project researchers. They can also participate in a media interactive that explores the ethical, legal and social implications of advancing DNA sequencing technologies and submit their responses on an interactive station and find out how their views compare with those of other visitors. An electronic news-ticker display will provide an ongoing stream of recent developments in genomics.

Here is the original post:
National Museum of Natural History genome exhibition unlocks 21st-century science of life