Opened to the public in April 2004, the new Marian Koshland Science Museum uses engaging, interactive exhibits to bring to life the numerous reports conducted by the prestigious National Academies every year. The museum program requires each exhibit be designed to travel, allowing the "Koshland's" exhibits to be shared with other institutions and to rotate in new exhibits on current Academies reports.

Putting DNA To Work

Currently on tour, this original Koshland Science Museum exhibit outlines various ways DNA sequencing is being used today. Interactive displays allow visitors to investigate how inherited and infectious diseases are identified and the various uses of DNA analysis in criminal forensics and crop improvement. Exhibits:

. Visitors are first given an overview of DNA, including a look at its structure, how scientists read its code, and where it is found.

. An interactive "line-up" wall with larger-than-life images of various living organisms compares the genetic make-up of humans with that of animals, fungi, and plants.

. An interactive area allows visitors to randomly Probe the Sequence searching for specific patterns in one of the genes from the vast human genome, discovering that DNA is far from random as each gene uses a specific sequence to convey information.

. The use of DNA in Diagnosing Disease is explored, detailing how scientists search for mutated genes that pass misinformation from one generation to another.

. Through a video testimonial, visitors learn the personal story of a family that used genetic testing to diagnose hemochromatosis.

. Visitors can examine gene sequences and identify the mutations responsible for diseases such as sickle cell anemia.

. Through an in-depth interactive program, visitors investigate how law enforcement agents and lawyers use DNA fingerprinting and CODIS to Solve Crimes, identify criminals and exonerate the innocent.

. Visitors move from analyzing the DNA of humans to that of plants by reviewing How Reading Genes Can Improve Crops.

. A new tool, the microarray, illustrates How DNA Sequences Protect Public Health.

A Hackley / Bowman Project