Skip Navigation Bar
NLM logo

Exhibition

EXPLORE

Select one of the topics from above.

Introduction

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…

Continue to Introduction

Tinkering with DNA

DNA iconAll organisms, from microbes to humans, are governed by the genetic code embedded in their DNA. In the 1970s, scientists inserted a human gene into the genetic material of a common bacterium. This so-called “recombinant” microorganism could…

Continue to Tinkering with DNA

Harvesting Hormones

hormone iconHormones are complex molecules that regulate vital functions, including growth and development. In humans and animals, hormones are produced in glands and organs such as the pituitary, thyroid, and pancreas…

Continue to Harvesting Hormones

Making “Yellow Magic”

penicillin iconMicrobes are equipped with defense mechanisms to help ensure their survival. Penicillium, the bluish-green mold that grows on stale food, produces a substance that has the power to kill its bacterial competition. Many of these bacteria are also…

Continue to Making “Yellow Magic”

Living Factories

diphtheria iconHumans and animals have natural defense systems that produce antibodies in the blood to combat bacteria and other harmful substances invading the body. In the late nineteenth century, scientists investigating this immune response in animals…

Continue to Living Factories

Brewing Mysteries

fermentation iconBeer making is an old technology that relies on microorganisms. Brewers, however, barely knew of the existence of microbes, much less the critical role they played in their livelihood. Problems encountered in beer production, motivated scientists to study…

Continue to Brewing Mysteries

Join Our Mailing list

Stay up-to-date with the latest at the National Library of Medicine.

Close