Should we be manipulating human genes?
Will designer crops end up creating mutants that will ravage the earth?
How can I be sure bio-engineered foods are safe?
Well, what do you think? How much do you know about genetic engineering and biotechnology? Amid all the controversy surrounding the "rightness" or "wrongness" of such endeavors, it is been difficult for the average person to get a handle on the science and the social implications.
Science museums are, for the most part, conventional institutions that avoid topics that carry such a high emotional and/or political charge. However, one leading institution has gone all out to help the public understand the complex blend of chemistry, biology, genetics and technology that is the field of Genomics.
New York's American Museum of Natural History has a staff of 40 currently conducting genetics and genomics research, supported by state-of-the-art molecular laboratory space, a powerful supercomputing facility and extensive collections. In May the AMNH launched The Genomic Revolution. I'm sorry to report so late, for the exhibit is scheduled to close January 1, 2002, but that leaves nearly a month to visit the displays, catch programs and activities. Accessible online are sections on Our Genetic Identity, Our Genome, Choosing Our Genes, Changing Our Genes, Reshaping Our World, DNA Detectives and links to additional resources.
The Technical Museum of Innovation (The Tech) in San Jose, California, has an exhibit hall called Life Tech: The Human Machine. You can make a visit or explore online its Life's New Frontier section detailing the concept of DNA, the Human Genome Project, genetic testing, bioengineering food and drugs and ethics.
Strictly Online
The Genetic Science Learning Center is sponsored by the University of Utah and the Utah Museum of Natural History. It offers special information sections for students, teachers parents and families. There is a page entitled "How to Extract DNA From Anything Living," which includes a protocol for extracting DNA from green split peas using household items.
Access Excellence is a website sponsored by the National Health Museum that features an About Biotech section covering Issues and Ethics, Biotech Applied and includes a Career Center and a Graphics Gallery.
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