Explore The Secret of How Life Works at The Health Museum

Houston premiere of nationally touring 'GENOME' exhibit opens February 2, 2008

HOUSTON, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Have you ever wondered what you have in
common with a potato? How genes affect growth and aging, or what your future
children might look like? Stop wondering and start exploring! Genes are the
secret codes, or recipes that make us who we are and that influence who we
might become. Experience the amazing world of human genes first-hand in
GENOME: The Secret of How Life Works, on view at The John P. McGovern Museum
of Health and Medical Science, also known as The Health Museum, February 2 -
May 4, 2008.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060203/DAF018LOGO)
GENOME is made possible by Pfizer Inc and was produced by Evergreen
Exhibitions in collaboration with the National Human Research Institute
(NHGRI), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the
Whitehead Institute/MIT Center for Genome Research. Local partners include
Avondale House, Baylor College of Medicine, Easter Seals, Holocaust Museum
Houston, Methodist Neurological Institute, Southwest Airlines, Spindletop
Charities, Inc., Texas Children's Hospital, Weatherford International Ltd. and
the YMCA of Greater Houston. For more information about exhibit partners,
please visit http://www.thehealthmuseum.org.
GENOME, a 5,000 sq. ft. exhibit designed for the entire family, offers
engrossing environments, interactive elements and artifacts. GENOME explores
the mysteries of the human gene, why the genome is being mapped, and the
potential benefits of gene research (i.e., preventing and curing diseases,
living longer, solving crimes, producing better food and drugs). It also
looks at the 200-year history of this science and the individuals who have
shaped it.
"The Health Museum is thrilled to bring this exceptional exhibit to
Houston and the heart of the Texas Medical Center. GENOME explores the
nature, history of and gene discovery, as well as genetic research," said Phil
Lindsey, Chief Administrative Officer of The Health Museum. "This exhibit is
aimed at the general public to help them become educated about this important
subject, which is currently impacting daily life."
GENOME uses colorful displays, visually rich environments and
family-friendly activities that are specifically designed to help visitors
understand the genome's function and its role in daily life. These include:
-- Giant Double Helix -- An eight-foot-tall, 25-foot-long display of DNA's
double helix structure
-- Hereditary Slot Machines -- A working slot machine that demonstrates
the odds that children will inherit genes for certain characteristics
-- The Cookie Factory -- A visualization of protein production that
children and adults alike can grasp, with DNA, genes and proteins as
the ingredients and recipes for "making" human beings
-- Cell Explorer -- Slide a video monitor target over the parts of a cell
to trigger video animation naming the cell part and explaining its
function
-- Your Ultimate Makeover -- The human body is a makeover expert,
constantly replacing or repairing worn out parts. Graphics illustrate
the process of cell death and replacement.
-- DNA Detective -- Match the DNA sample taken at the crime scene to the
samples from the suspect database to find the guilty person.

As a complement to the GENOME exhibit, The Health Museum will present a
series of engaging talks about genetics, led by local experts. The series,
Decoding Genetics Speaker Series, will explore the science of genetics, its
contribution to our understanding of the natural world and its implications
and applications to our lives. Admission to the series is free with general
Museum admission. For a schedule of speaker topics and dates, please visit
http://www.thehealthmuseum.org.
ABOUT THE HEALTH MUSEUM
The John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science, also known as The
Health Museum, is a member institution of the world-renowned Texas Medical
Center and is located in the heart of Houston's Museum District at 1515
Hermann Drive Houston, TX 77004. General Admission is $6 for adults and $5
for children ages 3-17 and senior adults. Museum members and children two
years of age and under are admitted free.
Through May 4, Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through
Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Group discount rates are available by
calling 713-521-1515, ext. 237. School field trip information is available at
713-521-1515, ext. 121. For information about the Museum or its programs,
please call 713-521-1515 or visit http://www.thehealthmuseum.org.
The John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science is an
interactive and entertaining science experience for all ages that promotes
understanding and appreciation of the human body, mind and spirit and inspires
a lifelong commitment to health and wellness.
SOURCE The John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science

Susan Schmaeling, Principal of Susan Schmaeling Public Relations & Marketing,
+1-713-349-0780, for The John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical
Science; or Stephanie Manning, Marketing & PR Coordinator of The Health
Museum, +1-713-942-7054, ext. 332, pr@thehealthmuseum.org