HOUSTON (April 2, 2003)...This month, scientists will announce the completion of the Human Genome Project. This announcement will mark not the end, but rather the beginning of the genome era. The Living Genome: Reading the Book of Life, opening on Wednesday, April 23, 2003, is the first comprehensive exhibition in Houston to explore the subject of genomics and the field of genetics. The exhibit focuses on human health, biotechnology, human diversity and natural history in light of recent advances in genetics and genomics. The exhibition is presented by the Houston Museum of Natural Science in collaboration with the Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center (BCM-HGSC). The Living Genome exhibit fills the 3,000 square foot circular gallery of the Museum’s Isaac Arnold Hall on the lower level. The exhibit includes interactive stations, films, visitor polling stations and extensive graphics and artifacts designed to enhance the visitor’s understanding of the human genome, chromosomes and genes and the scientific study of how genes regulate the development of an organism. In other areas of the exhibit:

• Learn about the role of genetics in human health and illness.
• Investigate biotechnology applications of genetics knowledge and technology, ranging from forensic DNA analysis to gene therapy, stem cell research and cloning.
• Explore the various uses of genetics tests and ethical considerations that surround genetic testing.
• Investigate the application of genetics to agriculture, and evaluate the effects of farming on the traits of plants and animals.
• Explore the importance of genetically modified organisms in biomedical research.
• Track human history through DNA, following the paths of humans as they migrated out of Africa, and exploring the relatedness of all humans.
• Explore the international human genome project. Understand the project's goals and accomplishments and the role Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center has played in the project's success.

The exhibit contains video terminals running short films, interactive computer kiosks through which visitors can explore various topics in genetics and genomics, hands-on stations where visitors can interact, including an opportunity to explore how forensic DNA analysis is used to solve crimes, and polling stations where visitors can register their opinions on topics ranging from genetic testing to cloning and stem cell research.

The Living Genome: Reading the Book of Life runs April 23 through December 31, 2003 and is included in the regular Museum admission ticket, which is free to members, $6 for adults, $3.50 for children (3-11) and seniors (62+). For more information, call (713) 639-4629 or log on to www.hmns.org. For information in Spanish, call (713) 639-4603.

The Living Genome exhibit is made possible by the generosity of the following foundations and corporations:

Lead Donors:
Applera Charitable Foundation
The Gordon and Mary Cain Foundation
E. I. duPont de Nemours and Company
Hewlett-Packard Company

Major Contributors:
PerkinElmer Foundation
Amersham Biosciences
Sigma-Aldrich Corporation
SeqWright, Inc.
Gilbane Building Company
Beckman Coulter
Baylor College of Medicine Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center

Supporters:
VWR Scientific
BD Discovery Labware
Ladd Photography / Houston