DNA comes to life at the Field Museum

CHICAGO The DNA Discovery Center, which opens May 2, is a viewable lab where scientists are extracting, sequencing and analyzing DNA specimens as a researcher/educator answers questions. The lab is part of the Pritzker Laboratory, which was established at the museum in 1974.

The exhibit also has videos on genetics, as well as educational kiosks.

Because the day-to-day research is always changing, the DNA lab is the place where something new is always happening. And, with the touch-screen kiosk, visitors can find out what that is.

"Visitors will be able to point to locations on a globe and learn about active research projects taking place that help us understand Earth's incredible biodiversity," said Todd Tubutis, project manager for DNA Discovery Center. "With this interactive, the public will be in the known all the time."

The DNA Discovery Center is located on the Field Museum's upper floor overlooking Stanley Field Hall. It is included in the museum's general admission, which is $14 for adults, $11 for seniors and students with ID, and $9 for children aged 4- 11 years old.

For more information on the exhibit, visit FieldMuseum.org