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IU creating a 'State for Life'
January 24, 2005 | |||||
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KOKOMO, Ind.---Did you know Indiana has the fifth largest life sciences economy in the nation? At the heart of that economy is Indiana University---one of the leaders in life sciences. Building on strengths in the basic sciences, medicine, and information technology, IU is leading the genomics revolution, seeking to cure disease and improve Hoosier health---while creating new jobs along the way. IU will celebrate its role in the life sciences with Life Sciences Week January 22--29. Across the state, Hoosiers can learn more about the life sciences and IU's key accomplishments in the field through a variety of statewide activities and speaking engagements. Life Sciences Week activities will include the opening of two exhibits at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis: "Genome" and "Genes and Your Health." The main exhibit, "Genome: The Secret of How Life Works," began its journey at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Funded by Pfizer and Clarian Health Partners, it provides an interactive medium for the public to learn about genomics research (the study of the total DNA present in every cell of an organism). Exciting components of "Genome" include interactive touch screens, and a giant 25-foot DNA double helix, which reveals the mysteries of our genes. Piece together a DNA puzzle, navigate a cell, or attempt to match a DNA sample found at a crime scene. The exhibit will spend January 22 through May 8, 2005, in Indianapolis. And, after unlocking the secret of life, take a trip over to IU's exclusive exhibit, "Genes and Your Health," located in the Tomorrow's Indiana Gallery. Developed in partnership with the museum, the interactive exhibit showcases IU's cutting-edge genomic research by helping individuals learn more about their risk for alcoholism and other genetic-related diseases. Middle school children and adults alike can learn about depression, Alzheimer's, cancer, and more. The exhibit will travel around the state in the coming year, after its tenure at the Indiana State Museum through May 26, 2005. Local celebrations of Life Sciences Week at Indiana University Kokomo include the following ¥ Hunt Hall Tour. The IU Kokomo Department of Natural, Information, and Mathematical Sciences (NIMS) will offer a public tour of the campus' science education building, Virgil and Elizabeth Hunt Hall, on Thursday, January 27, at 3 p.m. Interested parties should meet NIMS chairman Robert Roales, Ph.D., in the atrium of Hunt Hall. ¥ Nursing Lab Open House. The IU Kokomo School of Nursing welcomes the public to witness students at work in Fundamentals of Nursing laboratory sessions, Thursday and Friday, January 27 and 28, any time between 8 a.m. and noon. The nursing lab is located in the East Building, Room 207. ¥ Genome Display. The IU Kokomo Library will present a map of the human genome in a display case, during Life Sciences Week. Life Sciences Week highlights the economic transition the state is making---from a manufacturing to a life sciences economy. IU is playing a vital role in facilitating that change. To find out more about the life sciences, IU's exhibits, and other statewide activities, visit the new Web site, lifesciences.iu.edu.
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