Stroll through exhibits on biological clocks, infectious diseases, cardiology, and neuroscience at HHMI's Virtual Museum. Click on the titles below to enter the exhibits.

Time Matters: Biological Clockworks

The existence of biological clocks has been suspected for centuries, but for most of human history little was known about how they worked. In the last few decades — with enormous advances in molecular biology and genetics — the detailed chemical workings of biological clocks have begun to be understood. This exhibit explores the inputs, outputs, and mechanisms of biological clocks with a primary focus on circadian rhythms—circadian being a term that biologists use to describe biological mechanisms on the scale of a day, from the Latin meaning "about a day."

When Worlds Collide: Micro Versus Macro

Although humans have long observed the devastating effects of infectious diseases, the microscope made it possible to see the pathogens. Today, the genomics revolution lets scientists "see" the microbial world in greater detail, leading to custom-designed drugs and therapies. Despite advances in science and medicine, infectious diseases will continue to threaten human health. Explore this exhibit to learn about the challenges posed by infectious diseases—and to "meet" scientists like Pasteur and Koch, whose insights have contributed to our understanding.

Vital Signs: Understanding Cardiovascular Diseases

This virtual exhibit has been adapted from the exhibit that complemented the 1998 Holiday Lectures on Science. Drs. Richard P. Lifton and Christine E. Seidman, both HHMI investigators exploring the genetic basis of disease, delivered the 1998 lectures, "Of Hearts and Hypertension: Blazing Genetic Trails." We hope you will find the experience of this virtual exhibit to be rich and compelling and that it will serve as a valuable resource to you for science research projects or as a source of background information about cardiovascular disease.

Hearing and Seeing: Models for Thought

Science is largely driven by curiosity and the desire to understand our place in the world. Neuroscience, focused on understanding how nervous systems work, is no exception. Diverse tools and methods are used to explore topics such as sensory perception, the control of movement, and even thinking.