The Miami Museum of Science’s newest traveling exhibition takes children on an interactive journey through the hidden world of microbes. Pfizer's "Microbes: Invisible Invaders ... Amazing Allies," showing in Miami now through Jan. 6, 2002, uncovers a mysterious universe of microscopic organisms – from those that sustain life on Earth to those that threaten our health and even our existence.
The interactive, 5,000-square-foot exhibit reveals what microbes are, known as bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa or "germs" to most people. The exhibition explores the history of infectious diseases and shows how researchers and individuals fight infection worldwide. Kid-friendly technology highlights hands-on activities. In addition to interactive displays featuring virtual reality and 3-D animation, theatrical sets and special effects bring microbes to life.
The exhibit is sponsored by Pfizer Inc. and produced by BBH Exhibits in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH)."This exhibit is the true story of the amazing defenders inside your body," said Sean Duran, director of exhibits at the Miami Museum of Science. "Every minute of our lives, cells like neutrophils and lymphocytes are waging war on viruses right inside us. This exhibit helps us see into a world smaller than the cells in our own bodies."
Hungry for a little microbial life? When we think of microbes like fungi and yeast, some folks think of athlete's foot, but if it weren't for microbes there'd be no such thing as mushroom pizza. Mushrooms are fungi and yeast makes pizza dough rise. As a feature of the exhibition mushrooms of all kinds will be growing live in a special tank viewable at the Museum and on the Internet.
"MICROBES conveys hope that modern science is finding ways to combat some of the illnesses. There's no other way to bring it to life like putting it in front of people and letting them enjoy it. It's important that we set it up in a way that it would encourage a dialogue between a child and a teacher, parent or grandparent," said Dr. Randall Kaye, director of pediatric health for Pfizer Inc. "The exhibit is geared toward inspiring children to become interested in science and consider a career in the industry."
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a component of the NIH, infectious diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide and the third leading killer of North Americans. More than 30 newly recognized infectious diseases and syndromes have emerged in the last two decades alone. Another challenge has been the development of drug-resistant strains of many common infections, making them increasingly difficult to treat and requiring ongoing medical research.
Pfizer Inc. is a research-based, global health care company. The company's mission is to discover and develop innovative, value-added products that improve the quality of life of people around the world and help them enjoy longer, healthier and more productive lives. Pfizer is headquartered in Manhattan and maintains its original manufacturing plant in Brooklyn, N.Y. NIAID is a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIAID conducts and supports research to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as HIV disease and other sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, asthma and allergies. NIH is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Complementing MICROBES are the exhibits Smithsonian Expeditions: Exploring Latin America and the Caribbean, The Atoms Family, where famous monsters of the silver screen demonstrate the awesome power of the atom, Gravity Playground, a playspace for tots, the Wildlife Center with more than 175 live birds of prey and reptiles, and our award-winning Planetarium shows!
