Feel the pulse and examine the pumping mechanism of the Bloodstream Superhighway, a 100-foot-long tube pumping blood-like fluid. Explore what makes us human and what keeps us alive, including topics like physiology, genetics and cell biology. The Cell Lab is a unique hands-on biology experience run by volunteers and youth staff. (Hours vary.)

Special Projects in the Human Body Gallery

Disease Detectives
This new exhibit introduces visitors to three patients, all of whom are suffering from different illnesses. Examine each interactive mannequin—taking their temperatures and listening to their hearts, lungs, and bowels—to determine what's making them sick. Analyze test results and try to trace the origins of the microbes at the root of their illnesses. In the process, discover the incredible mechanisms our bodies have to prevent illness, the methods with which infectious diseases spread from person to person, and the basics of epidemiology. Learn More | Download the Teacher Exhibition Guide

Tissues of Life
Learn about the four tissue types in the body, how tissues heal, what happens when tissues are invaded by microbes or damaged, and how new tissues form from stem cells. See real human tissue and solve a medical mystery. Check out Tissues of Life for more information.

Tissues of Life is funded by the National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health.

Malaria
Malaria is caused by one of four different species of Plasmodium parasites. It's preventable and we have treatments that can stop malaria. So why is it still such a huge problem? Visit the Malaria kiosk to learn more and send a "Put Yourself in the Story" postcard.

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Habits of the Heart
The Habits of the Heart includes classroom activities as well as videos, website animations, interactives, a student exhibit guide, and a virtual tour of the Human Body Gallery developed with help from area elementary schools.

Habits of the Heart was funded by the Medtronic Foundation's STAR program.

What is the Human Genome? (PDF | 248 KB)
This map shows some of the approximately 25,000 genes in a human cell. Each rod on the map represents a chromosome. Each chromosome contains an arrangement of several hundred genes. The blue bands represent a stain that researchers use to identify chromosomes.