March 13, 2017 – April 22, 2017

Microbes—tiny organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye—have altered human history. Life forms such as bacteria, yeasts, and molds can cause sickness or restore health, and help produce foods and beverages for our consumption. Scientists, in partnership with industry, have developed techniques to harness the powers of these microbes. In recent years, headline-grabbing technologies have used genetically modified bacteria to manufacture new medicines.

From DNA to Beer: Harnessing Nature in Medicine & Industry explores some of the processes, problems, and potentials inherent in technologies that use life. This traveling exhibition was developed and produced by the National Library of Medicine and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

[Show as slideshow]