The Geee! in Genome Arrives at the Discovery Centre.

IF YOU COULD, WOULD YOU?  IF WE CAN, SHOULD WE?

 A new exhibition at Discovery Centre has people questioning would they or wouldn’t they, should we or shouldn’t we?  Visitors to The Geee! In Genome are asked to ponder such ethical issues as genetic testing, gene therapy and cloning.  The exhibition was officially opened today by Premier John Hamm and Tom Smith, the son of the late Dr. Michael Smith, a Nobel-prize winning chemist to whom the exhibition is dedicated.

“This is an example of the vital role Discovery Centre plays in this community and this province, putting current and complex science discussion into everyday life,” said Premier John Hamm.  “This province is developing vibrant life-sciences and research and development sectors, which are important aspects of our future and this exhibit helps to put that science into the main stream, communicating and educating Nova Scotians.  I congratulate Discovery Centre and Genome Atlantic on the opening of this impressive and unique educational exhibition."

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 travelling 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. 

“Discovery Centre, and indeed science, is entering a new realm with this exhibition, targeted primarily at older children and adults,” says Steve Ashton, Chair of the Board of Directors of Discovery Centre.  “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 labelling 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, “Nova Scotia is home to world-class research in areas such as human genetic disease, fish aquaculture and environmental microbes.  This exhibit will help the public to understand the potential of this exciting new science.”

Discovery Centre is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to stimulating interest, enjoyment and understanding of science and technology through innovative, exciting hands-on experiences.  The Geee! in Genome is produced by The Canadian Museum of Nature and presented nationally by Genome Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.  It is presented locally by Genome Atlantic.