“GENOME: THE SECRET OF HOW LIFE WORKS” EXHIBIT OPENS JUNE 26

TAMPA, Fla. (April 27, 2004) – Humans have more in common with fruit flies and bananas than they would think! Guests may discover why, and learn the real facts of life in “Genome: The Secret of How Life Works,” a new exhibit hosted by MOSI from June 26 – Sept. 12, 2004.

“Genome: The Secret of How Life Works” explores the nature, history of discovery, and impact of genes in an interactive, family-oriented way. Visitors will uncover some of the mysteries of genes, why the human genome (a person’s entire set of genes) was mapped, and the potential benefits of gene research, including preventing and curing diseases, living longer, solving crimes, producing better food and drugs.

In 2003, exactly 50 years after the discovery of the structure of DNA, the building blocks of life, scientists wrapped up a worldwide project that mapped all the more than 30,000 human genes. The Human Genome Project has enormous implications in the race to find a cure for cancer, Alzheimer’s and other, incurable diseases. The project also illustrates how important the study of genetics has become.

Guests to “Genome: The Secret of How Life Works” can:

Explore a 25-foot-long model of a double helix while gaining a quick understanding of the basics of DNA.
Navigate a large map of a cell and discover how a person grows from a cell to a complete human being.
Look up the recipe for their color hair in the giant genetic recipe book.
View an animated cookie machine that shows how a company cranking out cookies is a lot like a cell pumping out proteins.
Discover how DNA analysis has helped solve crimes and mysteries, including the disappearance of the Russian royal family, the Romanovs.
Investigate how scientists are using knowledge of genes to improve health today and benefits we can anticipate in the future.

The exhibit also takes a look at the 200-year history of this science and the individuals who have shaped it – from Gregor Mendel, the 19^th-century monk who discovered the rules of inheritance by cultivating peas in a monastery garden, to Jim Watson and Francis Crick, who in 1953 developed the famous DNA double helix.

“The understanding of the human genome opens up an entirely new frontier for health science research, and it is anticipated that it will lead to new therapies and cures for devastating diseases. However, many people are unaware of the genome or its potential to enhance our lives,” said Dr. Peter B. Corr, Senior Vice President, Science and Technology, Pfizer Inc. “We believe engaging and educating families through interactive exhibits such as “Genome” will help them better understand how future discoveries can directly and positively impact their health.”

“Genome: The Secret of How Life Works” will be on display through Sept. 12 and is included in MOSI admission. The exhibit is made possible by Pfizer, Inc, and was produced by Clear Channel Exhibitions in collaboration with the National Human Genome Research Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health, and Whitehead Institute/MIT Center for Genome Research.

MOSI is the largest science center in the southeastern United States and home of the only IMAX^® Dome Theatre in the state of Florida. In all, MOSI offers more than 450 “minds-on” interactive activities. MOSI is located at 4801 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, opens daily at 9 a.m., is wheelchair accessible, and offers free parking. For more information, visit MOSI’s Web site at http://www.mosi.org/ or call (813) 987-6000.

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