The Geee! in Genome exhibit, currently at The Shops of Confederation Court Mall, has people questioning would they or wouldn’t they, should we or shouldn’t we?

 

The exhibit demystifies the subject of genomics and stimulates interest in the science as well as in the ethical, environmental, economic, legal and social issues surrounding it by engaging audiences in entertaining, interactive and informative programming. The exhibition explores topics ranging from the ABCs of DNA, genes and genomics to the impact of this emerging field of science on agriculture, the environment and human health. The exhibition recognizes contributions of local scientists and pays tribute to one of Canada's most distinguished scientists, Nobel Prize Winner (1993), the late Dr. Michael Smith.

 

“Bioscience-based products and services are a relatively new economic and research focus for us in Prince Edward Island. It’s important that we provide opportunities for Islanders of all ages to become more informed about the science behind the many new discoveries in health, nutrition, energy and  our environment,” says Rory Francis, Executive Director, PEI BioAlliance.  “The information presented in The Geee! In Genome is unbiased, informative and challenging.  It gives us an opportunity to discover genomics in an interactive way so that we can understand what this hot topic is all about."

 

How can two siblings differ in eye colour?  Why are some people born with freckles or widow’s peaks, while others are not?  Can a better understanding of DNA help solve crimes, cure diseases, or maybe even bring back an extinct species one day?  These questions are explored, along with controversial ethical issues, such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), therapeutic and reproductive cloning, GMO labeling and safety, DNA databanks and privacy issues. Electronic polling stations in the exhibition offer visitors a chance to contribute their opinions on each of these topics. 

 

Michael Dennis, President of Genome Atlantic, local presenter of the exhibit says, “This exhibit will help visitors to understand the complicated but intriguing science of genomics.  We can question ourselves, the future of genomics and develop our own answers and opinions.”

 

The Geee! In Genome is Canada’s first exhibition on genomics – the study of genes and their functions.  The goal of this bilingual and nationally traveling exhibition is to educate Canadians about genomics, its applications to nature and human life and the important contribution Canadian scientists have made to the field.  This exhibition promises to help demystify the science of genomics, challenge misconceptions and encourage questions.

 

“The Shops of Confederation Court Mall are proud to play a part in bringing this exciting and innovative exhibit to Prince Edward Island,” says Tanya O’Brien, General Manager, The Shops of Confederation Court Mall.  “We encourage everyone to experience this interactive learning opportunity.”

 

The Geee! In Genome is currently located in The Shops at Confederation Court Mall.  This exhibit is produced by The Canadian Museum of Nature and presented nationally by Genome Canada in partnership with Canadian Institutes of Health Research.  It is presented locally by the Prince Edward Island BioAlliance and Genome Atlantic.