About

About

From DNA to Beer: Harnessing Nature in Medicine and Industry traces milestones in the history of biotechnology. Over the past two centuries, scientists, in partnership with industry, have developed techniques using and modifying life forms like yeast, molds, and bacteria, to create a host of new therapies and produce better foods and beverages. Drawing from the collections of the National Museum of American History and the National Library of Medicine, From DNA to Beer explores some of the processes, problems, and potential inherent in technologies that use microorganisms for health and commercial purposes.

The original project featured a physical display in the History of Medicine Division Reading Room of the National Library of Medicine November 18, 2013–August 15, 2014 and companion online exhibition, launched in November 2013.

In 2024, the NLM refreshed the original online exhibition from 2013 into a redesigned, responsive, and accessible website with related digital resources.

2024 Project Team

User Services and Collection Division

Blair Anton

Head

Erika Mills

Exhibit Specialist

Elizabeth Mullen

Manager of Web Development and Social Media

Nicole Baker

Librarian

Curation

Diane Wendt

National Museum of American History
Guest Curator

Mallory Warner

National Museum of American History
Guest Curator

Web Design

Astriata

Baltimore, MD

Special Acknowledgements

User Services and Collection Division

Jeffrey Reznick, PhD

Senior Historian, Office of the Director

Kenneth Koyle

Deputy Branch Chief, Engagement Branch

Office of Computer and Communication Systems

Wei Ma

Chief, Applications Branch

Winston Churchill

Applications Branch

Joe Potvin

Applications Branch

Ying Sun

Applications Branch