Search
Molecules for Defending
Make a Medicine
Visitors learn how to make a medicine at this interactive computer exhibit. The visitor navigates through the process of developing a new medicine from the first steps of choosing the best molecules to block the interaction to the last step of the drug trials before distribution. People contract the flu because one of the molecules on the flu virus is perfectly shaped to interact with a receptor molecule in our nose. A medicine molecule could block this interaction. Scientists are developing new drugs by using a computer to study these molecule interactions. Based upon their research, possible medicines are chosen which are tested out on cells in the lab. Before new medicines can be distributed, they must first go into drug trials which involves testing the new drug on patients. Scientists are making safer and more effective medicines by studying molecules.
Molecules for Defending: Computer Interactive
Living things use many different kinds of modes of defense. Many cactus plants are covered with spines and rhinos are protected with a heavy "armor" for example. At this computer exhibit, visitors discover examples of different living things that use molecules to defend themselves. Visitors choose one of four organisms and step through a series of magnifications from the organism to the molecular interaction that occurs as they defend against an invading molecule.
Molecules to Cure You, Not Kill You
Many medicines are made from the molecules of animals, plants and microbes. Visitors look at models of the molecule structures found in foxglove, tree bark, mold, and the poison dart frog that are used to make medicines. Chemists modify these natural chemicals to improve health benefits and reduce negative side effects. Visitors are challenged to identify the molecule that has been used from each organism to develop medicines.