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Tony Blair interviewed in new DNA exhibition at MOSI

Inside DNAA new exhibition about human genetics, which has launched at MOSI, includes an interview with former Prime Minister Tony Blair about his support of the Human Genome Project, amongst a series of interviews with high profile genetics experts, forensic scientists and members of the public.

Inside DNA exhibition, which runs until 13 November 2011, explores the fast-moving developments in the field of human genomics and the ethical issues that they raise.  Funded by The Wellcome Trust (the UK's largest charity), the exhibition is the result of a partnership between ASDC, the UK network of science centres and museums, and At-Bristol - a leading science centre in the UK, with scientific support from the world renowned Sanger Institute in Cambridge. It aims to reach over one million people across the nation over the next five years.

To celebrate the launch journalists were invited to take the Gene Taste Test with Nowgen, a centre for genetics in healthcare, which involves the user tasting a treated piece of paper. Depending on their reaction (extreme revulsion, no taste response or somewhere in between) it indicates which version they have of the gene TAS2R38, and is a fascinating and simple example of our complexity and evolution.

The new exhibition is about health, identity and ancestry and includes samples and models of DNA, as well as interviews with people who work with genetics or who have genetic conditions. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair explains how the UK contributed to one third of the mapping of the Human Genome Project, while others, such as Nobel Prize winners Sir John Sulston and James Watson, explain their genome research.

At-Bristol Exhibitions Director, Dan Bird said: "At-Bristol is very proud to be at the forefront of Inside DNA, which is unique in many respects, providing an experience of genomics to match the excitement of the research. An engaged public is vital if we, as a society, are to make the best use of information generated by genomic research."

Iain Morley, Learning Manager at MOSI said: "Inside DNA is a fantastic chance to explore a complex and fast-moving area of science, which is relevant to all of us. This fun and interactive exhibition introduces genetics in an accessible way and will be particularly useful for teachers looking to complement GCSE and A-Level biology classes. We have also designed a programme of activities connected to the exhibition for school groups and other visitors."

A series of interactive screens encourage people to look at how genetics can be used to understand or help medical conditions or solve crimes, and to think about the controversial issues that genetics raises - such as whether genetic information should be kept on a national database, or should people be tested for conditions before symptoms arise.

Learn how to build a DNA sequence, solve a crime and find out how unusual you really are through a series of tests, interactive games and hands-on exhibits. The exhibition is aimed at adults and young people aged 14 onwards.

For more information on Inside DNA exhibition look up www.insidedna.org.uk or for activities look up www.mosi.org.uk

For media enquiries please call Sarah Roe on Tel: 0161 606 0176 m: 07847 372647

 

  • For more information on museums and galleries in Manchester:

Creativetourist.com is an online magazine, a series of city guides and a collaborative project that has been put together by Manchester Museums Consortium, a group of eight museums and galleries - Cornerhouse, Imperial War Museum North, The Lowry, Manchester Art Gallery, The Manchester Museum, (MOSI) Museum of Science & Industry, People's History Museum, and The Whitworth Art Gallery - in Manchester.  These venues have a dual vision: the desire to stage intelligent, thought-provoking and international exhibitions and events and to celebrate the city in which they live, work and play. Creativetourist.com, with its mix of exclusive features, interviews, arts news and city guides, allows readers to discover more about what's happening in the city, uncover its outstanding cultural programme and collections, and perhaps come to be as passionate about Manchester as its inhabitants.

 

A new exhibition about human genetics, which is launched today at MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester), includes an interview with former Prime Minister Tony Blair about his support of the Human Genome Project, amongst a series of interviews with high profile genetics experts, forensic scientists and members of the public.

Inside DNA exhibition, which runs until 13 November, explores the fast-moving developments in the field of human genomics and the ethical issues that they raise. Funded by The Wellcome Trust (the UK's largest charity), the exhibition is the result of a partnership between ASDC, the UK network of science centres and museums, and At-Bristol - a leading science centre in the UK, with scientific support from the world renowned Sanger Institute in

Marcus Cameron from Warrington gets face to face with our evolutionary story in Inside DNA exhibition at MOSI

Cambridge. It aims to reach over one million people across the nation over the next five years.

To celebrate the launch journalists were invited to take the Gene Taste Test with Nowgen, a centre for genetics in healthcare, which involves the user tasting a treated piece of paper. Depending on their reaction (extreme revulsion, no taste response or somewhere in between) it indicates which version they have of the gene TAS2R38, and is a fascinating and simple example of our complexity and evolution.

The new exhibition is about health, identity and ancestry and includes samples and models of DNA, as well as interviews with people who work with genetics or who have genetic conditions. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair explains how the UK contributed to one third of the mapping of the Human Genome Project, while others, such as Nobel Prize winners Sir John Sulston and James Watson, explain their genome research.

At-Bristol Exhibitions Director, Dan Bird said: "At-Bristol is very proud to be at the forefront of Inside DNA, which is unique in many respects, providing an experience of genomics to match the excitement of the research. An engaged public is vital if we, as a society, are to make the best use of information generated by genomic research."

Iain Morley, Learning Manager at MOSI said: "Inside DNA is a fantastic chance to explore a complex and fast-moving area of science, which is relevant to all of us. This fun and interactive exhibition introduces genetics in an accessible way and will be particularly useful for teachers looking to complement GCSE and A-Level biology classes. We have also designed a programme of activities connected to the exhibition for school groups and other visitors."

A series of interactive screens encourage people to look at how genetics can be used to understand or help medical conditions or solve crimes, and to think about the controversial issues that genetics raises - such as whether genetic information should be kept on a national database, or should people be tested for conditions before symptoms arise.

Learn how to build a DNA sequence, solve a crime and find out how unusual you really are through a series of tests, interactive games and hands-on exhibits. The exhibition is aimed at adults and young people aged 14 onwards.

For more information on Inside DNA exhibition look up www.insidedna.org.uk or for activities look up www.mosi.org.uk

For media enquiries please call Sarah Roe on Tel: 0161 606 0176 m: 07847 372647

  • For more information on museums and galleries in Manchester:

Creativetourist.com is an online magazine, a series of city guides and a collaborative project that has been put together by Manchester Museums Consortium, a group of eight museums and galleries - Cornerhouse, Imperial War Museum North, The Lowry, Manchester Art Gallery, The Manchester Museum, (MOSI) Museum of Science & Industry, People's History Museum, and The Whitworth Art Gallery - in Manchester.  These venues have a dual vision: the desire to stage intelligent, thought-provoking and international exhibitions and events and to celebrate the city in which they live, work and play. Creativetourist.com, with its mix of exclusive features, interviews, arts news and city guides, allows readers to discover more about what's happening in the city, uncover its outstanding cultural programme and collections, and perhaps come to be as passionate about Manchester as its inhabitants.

 


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