Science & Mathematics

The Museum's collections hold thousands of objects related to chemistry, biology, physics, astronomy, and other sciences. Instruments range from early American telescopes to lasers. Rare glassware and other artifacts from the laboratory of Joseph Priestley, the discoverer of oxygen, are among the scientific treasures here. A Gilbert chemistry set of about 1937 and other objects testify to the pleasures of amateur science. Artifacts also help illuminate the social and political history of biology and the roles of women and minorities in science.

The mathematics collection holds artifacts from slide rules and flash cards to code-breaking equipment. More than 1,000 models demonstrate some of the problems and principles of mathematics, and 80 abstract paintings by illustrator and cartoonist Crockett Johnson show his visual interpretations of mathematical theorems.

This object is the third prototype of a biolistic gene gun produced by John Sanford, Ed Wolf and Nelson Allen at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
Description (Brief)
This object is the third prototype of a biolistic gene gun produced by John Sanford, Ed Wolf and Nelson Allen at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Biolistic gene guns are used to genetically transform plants by shooting microprojectiles (tiny bullets) covered in DNA into plant cells. This prototype was an improvement over previous models because it featured a surge tank (see object 1991.0785.01.2) to collect debris from the firing. It also incorporated many of the features that would be used in the first commercial models.
Gene guns were the brainchild of plant geneticist Dr. John C. Sanford, who spent much of the early 1980s looking for a way to insert foreign DNA into plant cells in order to create transgenic plants. At the time, the most successful process for doing this relied on a species of bacteria. The method, however, only worked for certain plant species and was not successful with important crops like wheat, rice, or corn.
Sanford considered a variety of techniques, including piercing cell walls with a laser, but it was not until he teamed up with Dr. Edward Wolf of the Cornell engineering labs that he hit on a method that worked. Following discussions with Wolf, Sanford mentioned a new idea-partially inspired by his ongoing fight against squirrels in his yard- a biolistic gene gun. “Biolistic” is a combination of the words “biology” and “ballistics.” Working on principles similar to a BB gun, the gene gun would blast cells with microprojectiles covered in DNA.
To create the first prototype, Wolf brought in Nelson Allen, head machinist in the engineering lab, to modify a standard air pistol so that it could accelerate extremely small particles of tungsten into whole onions. Allen became integral in bringing Sanford’s ideas to life, producing the multiple prototypes the team designed as they perfected the technology. His interest in the project was personal. His daughter had died of leukemia at the age of 20, and Allen hoped that eventually the technique could lead to medical advances.
Sanford, Wolf, and Allen spent Christmas break 1983 trying out the gun and splattering themselves with exploded onion parts. After proving that individual onion cells could survive bombardment by microprojectiles, and that the microprojectiles could be used to introduce DNA into the cells, the team filed for a patent. They also set to work designing a second prototype (see object 1991.0785.02), as the air power used in the first prototype proved too destructive to samples at close range and caused particles to lose their acceleration over longer ranges.
To solve these issues, prototype II incorporated gunpowder rather than air to accelerate particles, and a vacuum chamber to reduce drag on the particles from air resistance. This model was used by Sanford’s post-doctoral student Theodore Klein in extensive experiments to calibrate the technology for optimal results. It was also the model used in the first successful stable genetic transformation of plant cells by biolistics. The results were reported in Nature in 1987.
Eager to see the technology result in practical application, but unable to find any interested investors, Wolf and Sanford created their own business, Biolistics, Inc, in 1986 to sell gene guns to other researchers. Their product was met with great enthusiasm, and Wolf and Sanford were "hounded" for orders from the scientific community. A commercially friendly design, similar to prototype III, was perfected by Nelson and the guns were fabricated by Rumsey-Loomis Co. of Ithaca, N.Y., a local machine shop. In April of 1989, Wolf and Sanford sold the business to DuPont which was able to market the gun on a larger scale. Sandford's final update to the technology was the replacement of gunpowder with helium cartridges. A gun with these features was still available on the market from Bio-Rad as of 2012.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0785.01.1
catalog number
1991.0785.01.1
accession number
1991.0785
This white plastic electrophoresis comb is made from hard plastic and has 15 tines.Electrophoresis combs are used to create the wells in gels for electrophoresis, a technique that uses the electrical charges of molecules to separate them by their length.
Description (Brief)
This white plastic electrophoresis comb is made from hard plastic and has 15 tines.
Electrophoresis combs are used to create the wells in gels for electrophoresis, a technique that uses the electrical charges of molecules to separate them by their length. It is often used to analyze DNA fragments. When a gel is poured, a comb is inserted. After the gel solidifies, the comb is removed, leaving wells for samples.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Genentech, Inc.
ID Number
2012.0198.19
accession number
2012.0198
catalog number
2012.0198.19
This videotape is the original copy of a recording of microscopic imagery of cells that have been shot with microprojectiles (tiny bullets) using a prototype biolistic gene gun.
Description (Brief)
This videotape is the original copy of a recording of microscopic imagery of cells that have been shot with microprojectiles (tiny bullets) using a prototype biolistic gene gun. Biolistic gene guns are used to genetically transform plants by shooting microprojectiles covered in DNA into plant cells. The video shows microprojectiles inside of living cells. In some shots cytoplasmic streaming can be seen moving the microprojectiles around in the cells. The recording is approximately 30 minutes long and has no sound.
To learn more about biolistic gene guns, please see gene gun prototype II (object number 1991.0785.02) or gene gun prototype III (object number 1991.0785.01.1).
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0785.04
catalog number
1991.0785.04
accession number
1991.0785
Dr. R. Michael Blaese wore this name tag during his time as a member of the team conducting the first NIH-approved human gene therapy treatment in September 1990. To learn more, see object 1999.0008.01, the blood cell separator.Source:Accession FileCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
Dr. R. Michael Blaese wore this name tag during his time as a member of the team conducting the first NIH-approved human gene therapy treatment in September 1990. To learn more, see object 1999.0008.01, the blood cell separator.
Source:
Accession File
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1993.0445.03
catalog number
1993.0445.03
accession number
1993.0445
This plastic chamber was part of a set-up for a vertical gel electrophoresis chamber used in the lab at Genentech, a biotechnology company, in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Description (Brief)
This plastic chamber was part of a set-up for a vertical gel electrophoresis chamber used in the lab at Genentech, a biotechnology company, in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Gel electrophoresis is a technique that uses the electrical charges of molecule to separate them by their length. It is often used to analyze DNA fragments. “Yansura,” the name of one of the scientists who used the set-up, is etched on one side of the chamber.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Genentech, Inc.
ID Number
2012.0198.04
catalog number
2012.0198.04
accession number
2012.0198
Agracetus’s ACCELL gene gun, featured on this mug, delivers foreign genes into plant cells in order to create transgenic plants. To learn more about the ACCELL gene gun, please see object number 1993.0345.01, the Agracetus gene gun.Source:Accession FileCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
Agracetus’s ACCELL gene gun, featured on this mug, delivers foreign genes into plant cells in order to create transgenic plants. To learn more about the ACCELL gene gun, please see object number 1993.0345.01, the Agracetus gene gun.
Source:
Accession File
Location
Currently not on view
inventor of prototype to accell gene gun
McCabe, Dennis
ID Number
2001.0193.01
catalog number
2001.0193.01
accession number
2001.0193
Professor Jonathan Wittenberg used this model of sperm whale myoglobin structure as a teaching tool at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University in the Bronx.
Description (Brief)
Professor Jonathan Wittenberg used this model of sperm whale myoglobin structure as a teaching tool at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University in the Bronx. It was used beginning in the mid-1960s as part of his class on cell function, which would later come to be known as molecular biology. Wittenberg purchased the model from A. A. Barker, an employee of Cambridge University Engineering Laboratories, who fabricated the models for sale to interested scientists starting in May 1966 under the supervision of John Kendrew.
Between the years 1957 and 1959, John Kendrew, a British biochemist, figured out the complete structure of a protein. For his breakthrough he won the 1962 Nobel Prize for Chemistry, an award he shared with his co-contributor Max Perutz.
Proteins are large molecules used for a vast variety of tasks in the body. Knowing their structure is a key part of understanding how they function, as structure determines the way in which proteins interact with other molecules and can give clues to their purpose in the body.
Kendrew uncovered the structure of myoglobin using a method known as X-ray crystallography, a technique where crystals of a substance—in this case myoglobin—are grown and then bombarded with X-rays. The rays bounce off the atoms in the crystal at an angle and hit a photographic plate. By studying these angles, scientists can pinpoint the average location of single atoms within the protein molecule and piece this data together to figure out the complete structure of the protein.
Interestingly, Kendrew had a hard time getting enough crystals of myoglobin to work with until someone was kind enough to give him a slab of sperm whale meat. Myoglobin’s purpose in the body is to store oxygen in the muscles until needed. Sperm whales, as aquatic mammals, have to be very efficient at storing oxygen for their muscles during deep sea dives, which means they require a lot of myoglobin. Until the gift of the sperm whale meat, Kendrew couldn’t isolate enough myoglobin to grow crystals of sufficient size for his research.
Sources:
Accession file
“History of Visualization of Biological Macromolecules: A. A. Barker’s Models of Myoglobin.” Eric Francouer, University of Massachusetts-Amherst. http://www.umass.edu/molvis/francoeur/barker/barker.html
The Eighth Day of Creation: The Makers of the Revolution in Biology. Horace Freeland Judson. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press: 1996.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1965
ID Number
2009.0111.01
accession number
2009.0111
catalog number
2009.0111.01
Posilac is a recombinant pharmaceutical used to increase milk production in lactating dairy cows. Approved by the FDA in 1993, Posilac was the first biotechnology product offered for sale by Monsanto.
Description (Brief)
Posilac is a recombinant pharmaceutical used to increase milk production in lactating dairy cows. Approved by the FDA in 1993, Posilac was the first biotechnology product offered for sale by Monsanto. The company sold the rights to Elanco, a division of Eli Lilly and Company in 2008.
Its active ingredient, bovine growth hormone-also known as rBGH and rBST-has been at the center of ongoing controversy in the United States. Although deemed safe by the FDA, rBGH is banned in many other countries. American consumer groups have countered FDA claims of safety with concerns about possible health risks stemming from differences in milk produced by cows treated with rBGH and milk produced by untreated cows.
Recombinant pharmaceuticals like Posilac are created by inserting genes from one species into a host species, often yeast or bacteria, where they do not naturally occur. The genes code for a desired product, and therefore the genetically modified host organisms can be grown and used as a kind of living factory to produce the product. In this case, genes coding for bovine somatotropin (growth hormone) are inserted into bacteria. Bacteria produce the somatotropin, which is harvested and used as the active ingredient in Posilac.
Object consists of a white cardboard box with light blue, dark blue, and red printing. Box contains 25 needles, 25 syringes, and a product insert. Needles are disposable, wrapped individually, and have a purple plastic base and a clear plastic cap. Syringes are 500-mg single doses, and they are made of white plastic with white labels with red, blue, and black printing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
April 1993 to June 1994
product expiration date
1994-06
maker
Monsanto Company
ID Number
2012.0046.50
accession number
2012.0046
catalog number
2012.0046.50
These objects are parts of the Gene Pulser, one of the first commercial electroporators. Manufactured by Bio-Rad, the Gene Pulser was on the market from 1986 to 1995.Electroporation is a technique used to get drugs, proteins, DNA, and other molecules into cells.
Description (Brief)
These objects are parts of the Gene Pulser, one of the first commercial electroporators. Manufactured by Bio-Rad, the Gene Pulser was on the market from 1986 to 1995.
Electroporation is a technique used to get drugs, proteins, DNA, and other molecules into cells. The method works by delivering a controlled electric pulse to cells in a solution. The pulse causes cells to briefly open pores in their cell membrane and take in molecules around them. The process is particularly useful in the creation of transgenic organisms.
The tan box with the black display seen in the first photo is the pulse generator, the part of the Gene Pulser that produces the electric pulses for electroporation. The white chamber seen in subsequent photos is the shocking chamber, used to hold samples for electroporation.
Sources:
Accession File
Gene Pulser Product Manuals
“Electroporation Makes Impact on DNA Delivery in Laboratory and Clinic.” Glaser, Vicki. Genetic Engineering News, September 15, 1996. pp. 14–15.
“Electroporation applications: Special needs and special systems.” Ostresh, Mitra. American Biotechnology Laboratory. January 1995. p. 18.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1986-1995
maker
Bio-Rad Laboratories
ID Number
1998.0018.01
accession number
1998.0018
catalog number
1998.0018.01
This jumpsuit was worn by a scientist from Advanced Genetic Systems during the first release of genetically modified microorganisms into the environment approved by the federal government.The organisms, a genetically modified version of naturally occurring bacteria from the genus
Description (Brief)
This jumpsuit was worn by a scientist from Advanced Genetic Systems during the first release of genetically modified microorganisms into the environment approved by the federal government.
The organisms, a genetically modified version of naturally occurring bacteria from the genus Pseudomonas, were sprayed on test fields of strawberry plants in Monterey County, Calif., to increase their resistance to frost.
In nature, Pseudomonas can be found on the surface of many plants. The bacteria contribute to problems with frost on crops because they produce a protein that promotes the formation of ice. In hopes of reducing frost damage to crops, scientist Steve Lindow at the University of California altered the bacteria to stop producing this protein. The University patented these “ice-minus” bacteria and licensed the technology to Advanced Genetic Systems, a company based in Oakland, Calif. AGS hoped to bring the bacteria to market as an ice-proofing spray for crops called “Frostban.”
After careful review, the U.S. government approved field tests of Frostban. Despite the review, public fear of releasing these bacteria into the environment remained. Some scientists raised concerns that the ice-minus bacteria could replace the natural bacterial population. Because of their ice-forming abilities, the natural bacteria play a role in the creation of precipitation. This fact led some to worry that damage to the natural population could have repercussions for rainfall and weather patterns.
Activists against Frostban broke into test fields and uprooted plants to be sprayed several times throughout the field trials. After four years of tests, Frostban was found to be effective in reducing frost damage to crops. Due to continued public discomfort with genetically modified organisms, however, AGS never marketed the product. The company feared that the expense of fighting legal battles to get it to market would outweigh possible profit.
Sources:
“Public Fears Factored Into Gene-Altered Bacteria Tests.” Griffin, Katherine. The Los Angeles Times. April 18, 1988. p. AOC11.
“Bacteria on the Loose.” Fox, Michael W. The Washington Post. November 26, 1985. p. A16.
“Chapter 5: Ecological Considerations.” Office of Technology Assessment, Congress of the United States. Field-Testing Engineered Organisms: Genetic and Ecological Issues. 2002. pp.94–95.
“Chapter 4: The Release of a Genetically Engineered Microorganism.” Schacter, Bernice Zeldin. Issues and Dilemmas of Biotechnology: A Reference Guide. 1999.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1987.0770.01
accession number
1987.0770
catalog number
1987.0770.01
This object is a sample of tobacco leaf cell colonies that have been successfully genetically transformed using the biolistic gene gun prototype produced by John Sanford, Ed Wolf, and Nelson Allen at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
Description (Brief)
This object is a sample of tobacco leaf cell colonies that have been successfully genetically transformed using the biolistic gene gun prototype produced by John Sanford, Ed Wolf, and Nelson Allen at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Biolistic gene guns are used to genetically transform plants by shooting microprojectiles (tiny bullets) covered in DNA into plant cells. The blue color of the cells is due to one of the genes that was inserted, the GUS reporter system. Cells in which the GUS gene was successfully taken in and utilized produced a blue chemical. The blue cells therefore represented the success of the genetic transformation via the biolistic process.
To learn more about biolistic gene guns, please see gene gun prototype II (object number 1991.0785.02) or gene gun prototype III (object number 1991.0785.01.1).
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0785.03.7
catalog number
1991.0785.03.7
accession number
1991.0785
This color poster depicts "the proven route to biopharmaceutical approval" as a series of steps on a path riddled with potential pitfalls. It advertises the testing services offered by Microbiological Associates Inc.
Description (Brief)
This color poster depicts "the proven route to biopharmaceutical approval" as a series of steps on a path riddled with potential pitfalls. It advertises the testing services offered by Microbiological Associates Inc. The poster was collected at the BioEast conference in 1994.
Biopharmaceuticals are a class of drugs produced by organisms, cells, or biological systems that have been modified by scientists in order to create molecules useful as medicines or diagnostics. Typically these drugs are proteins, nucleic acids, or antibodies.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1994
ID Number
1994.3125.06
nonaccession number
1994.3125
catalog number
1994.3125.06
In 1987 the Iowa Biotechnology Consortium, a joint effort of Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the Iowa Department of Economic Development arranged the Iowa Biotech Showcase to promote the state as a center for biotechnology research and industry.
Description (Brief)
In 1987 the Iowa Biotechnology Consortium, a joint effort of Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the Iowa Department of Economic Development arranged the Iowa Biotech Showcase to promote the state as a center for biotechnology research and industry. At that time Iowa hoped to take advantage of the economic benefits promised by the expanding interest in biotechnology. Representatives from 50 businesses listened to presentations from researchers and agriculture companies about Iowa’s potential for becoming biotech’s answer to Silicon Valley. A train called the Iowa Biotech Express, on which this banner hung, served as a highlight of the event, transporting attendees between two of the state’s major research institutions, the campuses of Iowa State and the University of Iowa.
Sources:
Accession File
“Iowa Ties Rebound to Biotech Express.” Wechsler, Lorraine. The Scientist. October 19, 1987. Accessed online. http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/9038/title/Iowa-Ties-Rebound-to-Biotech-Express/
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1987
ID Number
1991.0396.01
catalog number
1991.0396.01
accession number
1991.0396
Protropin is an injectable, recombinant pharmaceutical that is used to treat children with growth problems stemming from an inability to produce their own growth hormone.Recombinant pharmaceuticals are created by inserting genes from one species into a host species, often yeast o
Description (Brief)
Protropin is an injectable, recombinant pharmaceutical that is used to treat children with growth problems stemming from an inability to produce their own growth hormone.
Recombinant pharmaceuticals are created by inserting genes from one species into a host species, often yeast or bacteria, where they do not naturally occur. The genes code for a desired product, and therefore the genetically modified host organisms can be grown and used as a kind of living factory to produce the product. In this case, genes coding for human growth hormone are inserted into bacteria. Bacteria produce the growth hormone, which is harvested and used as the active ingredient in Protropin.
Object consists of a sealed cardboard box with light blue, dark blue, and black printing. Box contains two vials Protropin and one vial Bacteriostatic Water for injection.
date made
ca 1987
maker
Genentech Inc.
ID Number
1987.0789.02
accession number
1987.0789
catalog number
1987.0789.02
Posilac is a recombinant pharmaceutical used to increase milk production in lactating dairy cows. Approved by the FDA in 1993, Posilac was the first biotechnology product offered for sale by Monsanto.
Description (Brief)
Posilac is a recombinant pharmaceutical used to increase milk production in lactating dairy cows. Approved by the FDA in 1993, Posilac was the first biotechnology product offered for sale by Monsanto. The company sold the rights to Elanco, a division of Eli Lilly and Company in 2008.
Its active ingredient, bovine growth hormone-also known as rBGH and rBST-has been at the center of ongoing controversy in the United States. Although deemed safe by the FDA, rBGH is banned in many other countries. American consumer groups have countered FDA claims of safety with concerns about possible health risks stemming from differences between milk produced by cows treated with rBGH and milk produced by untreated cows.
Recombinant pharmaceuticals like Posilac are created by inserting genes from one species into a host species, often yeast or bacteria, where they do not naturally occur. The genes code for a desired product, and therefore the genetically modified host organisms can be grown and used as a kind of living factory to produce the product. In this case, genes coding for bovine growth hormone are inserted into bacteria. Bacteria produce the somatotropin, which is harvested and used as the active ingredient in Posilac.
Object is a wearable harness whose function is to collect used syringes during mass administering of Posilac. Object consists of a woven black nylon belt with plastic buckle that is worn around the waist. Belt has multiple accessories, including a black nylon utility bag with a cinch top can be attached to the waist belt via two loops on the back of the bag and a black plastic shield with two round holes and four oblong holes. A waist belt can be woven through the larger oblong holes and the smaller oblong holes hold a black velcro-close belt. The shield and the velcro-close belt can be used to mount the syringe collector to the harness. (Syringe collector is not included.)
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Monsanto Company
ID Number
2012.0046.51
catalog number
2012.0046.51
accession number
2012.0046
This electroelution chamber was used by scientists at Genentech, a biotechnology company, in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Description (Brief)
This electroelution chamber was used by scientists at Genentech, a biotechnology company, in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Electroelution is a technique for removing proteins and other molecules from the gel matrix of gel electrophoresis.
Sections of the gel containing the desired sample were excised and placed into a piece of dialysis tubing. The tubing was secured to the bottom of the chamber using small clips buried in a layer of modeling clay at the bottom of the chamber. Once tubing was secured, the chamber was filled with a buffer solution. An electric current was run through the chamber, causing molecules of interest to migrate across the dialysis tubing into the buffer, from which they were collected.
The modeling clay was not originally part of the chamber, but was purchased from a toy store and pressed onto the bottom of the chamber by scientists in order to provide a way to secure the clips to the bottom.
Source:
Interview with Dan Yansura, Genentech scientist, 12/20/2012
Location
Currently not on view
user
Genentech, Inc.
ID Number
2012.0198.15
accession number
2012.0198
catalog number
2012.0198.15
This sample of wheat came from the first field test designed to chart the movement of genetically modified microorganisms after their release into the environment.
Description (Brief)
This sample of wheat came from the first field test designed to chart the movement of genetically modified microorganisms after their release into the environment. In November of 1987, genetically modified soil bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas were planted along with winter wheat in a field in Blackville, S.C. The project was a joint effort of Monsanto, which had modified the organisms in the lab, and Clemson University, which carried out the field test.
The microorganisms were modified to contain harmless “marker genes” allowing scientists to distinguish them from naturally occurring Pseudomonas bacteria. After their release, scientists kept track of the movement of the modified bacteria in order to create a model for how genetically modified microbes migrate upon their release. Several months earlier, the release of genetically modified “ice-minus” bacteria (see object number 1987.0770.01) in California was the center of public concern.
Sources:
Accession File
“After Release, Altered Bacteria Stayed Close to Their Roots.” Renseberger, Boyce. The Washington Post. February 22, 1988. p. A3.
“Release of Altered Microbes Is Approved in Tracking Test.” Schneider, Keith. The New York Times. October 21, 1987. p. A19.
“Clemson Scientists Begin Field Testing of Microbe.” The Item. November 3, 1987. p.4B.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1987
ID Number
1995.0055.01
accession number
1995.0055
catalog number
1995.0055.01
This inverted microscope was used at Genentech, a biotechnology company. In a traditional light microscope (the kind most often used in high school biology classes), the light source comes from below a slide-mounted specimen and the observer views it from above.
Description (Brief)
This inverted microscope was used at Genentech, a biotechnology company. In a traditional light microscope (the kind most often used in high school biology classes), the light source comes from below a slide-mounted specimen and the observer views it from above. By contrast, an inverted microscope’s light source comes from above and the sample is viewed from the bottom.
This configuration eliminates the need for slide-mounting the specimen for observation and allows the observer to view samples in flasks or petri dishes. For this reason the inverted microscope is particularly useful in work with living cells and tissue culture, allowing both observation and manipulation of the sample.
Sources:
Goldstein, David. “Inverted Microscope.” Microscopy-UK. 1998. http://microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html?http://microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artjul98/invert.html
Olympus. “Inverted biological microscope.” http://www.olympus-global.com/en/corc/history/story/micro/headstand/
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1995
circa 1970
user
Genentech, Inc.
maker
Olympus
ID Number
2012.0198.60
accession number
2012.0198
catalog number
2012.0198.60
Humulin is human insulin used for treating diabetes. Prior to its development, diabetics used insulin isolated from pig and cow pancreases.
Description (Brief)
Humulin is human insulin used for treating diabetes. Prior to its development, diabetics used insulin isolated from pig and cow pancreases. Developed by Genentech, the first American biotechnology company, Humulin was licensed to Eli Lilly and became the first marketable product created through recombinant DNA technology. Its licensing by the FDA in October 1982 also made it the first recombinant pharmaceutical approved for use in the United States.
Recombinant pharmaceuticals are created by inserting genes from one species into a host species, often yeast or bacteria, where they do not naturally occur. The genes code for a desired product, and therefore the genetically modified host organisms can be grown and used as a kind of living factory to produce the product. In this case, genes coding for human insulin are inserted into bacteria. Bacteria produce insulin, which is harvested and used as the active ingredient in Humulin.
Humulin L is an intermediate-acting insulin with a slower onset of action than regular insulin and a longer duration of activity (up to 24 hours). Due to declining use of longer-acting insulins, Humulin L was discontinued in 2005.
Object consists of a white cardboard box with black and red printing. Box contains two product inserts and a round, clear glass bottle with an orange plastic cap and white label. Bottle contains a white substance suspended in a clear solution.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1987
maker
Eli Lilly and Company
ID Number
1987.0790.04
accession number
1987.0790
catalog number
1987.0790.04
This object is a micropipettor for measuring and transferring small, precise volumes of liquid. It was used by scientists at Genentech, a biotechnology company, for small reactions such as digesting DNA.The micropipettor was developed by Dr.
Description (Brief)
This object is a micropipettor for measuring and transferring small, precise volumes of liquid. It was used by scientists at Genentech, a biotechnology company, for small reactions such as digesting DNA.
The micropipettor was developed by Dr. Warren Gilson in 1972.
Sources:
Gilson, “About Us.” http://www.pipetman.com/AboutUs.aspx
Zinnen, Tom. “The Micropipette Story.” WisconIngenuity. http://www.biotech.wisc.edu/outreach/pipettestory.html
Location
Currently not on view
date made
January 1986-January 1991
user
Genentech, Inc.
maker
Gilson, Inc.
ID Number
2012.0198.34
accession number
2012.0198
catalog number
2012.0198.34
serial number
D20630A
Dr. Kenneth Culver wore this name tag during his time as a member of the team conducting the first NIH-approved human gene therapy treatment in September 1990. To learn more, see object 1999.0008.01, the blood cell separator.Source:Accession FileCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
Dr. Kenneth Culver wore this name tag during his time as a member of the team conducting the first NIH-approved human gene therapy treatment in September 1990. To learn more, see object 1999.0008.01, the blood cell separator.
Source:
Accession File
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1993.0445.04
catalog number
1993.0445.04
accession number
1993.0445
This white plastic electrophoresis comb has five wide tines, one of which has been modified into two smaller tines.Electrophoresis combs are used to create the wells in gels for electrophoresis, a technique that uses the electrical charges of molecules to separate them by their l
Description (Brief)
This white plastic electrophoresis comb has five wide tines, one of which has been modified into two smaller tines.
Electrophoresis combs are used to create the wells in gels for electrophoresis, a technique that uses the electrical charges of molecules to separate them by their length. It is often used to analyze DNA fragments. When a gel is poured, a comb is inserted. After the gel solidifies, the comb is removed, leaving wells for samples.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Genentech, Inc.
ID Number
2012.0198.20
accession number
2012.0198
catalog number
2012.0198.20
In the early 1990s Genzyme Transgenics (later known as GTC Biotherapeutics) began efforts to genetically engineer goats to produce the human protein antithrombrin in their milk.
Description (Brief)
In the early 1990s Genzyme Transgenics (later known as GTC Biotherapeutics) began efforts to genetically engineer goats to produce the human protein antithrombrin in their milk. In 2009 antithrombrin from goat milk, sold under the name ATryn, became the first drug produced by genetically engineered farm animals to be approved by the FDA.
While manufacturing drugs through genetically engineered organisms had been in practice since the mid-1980s, those efforts relied on microorganisms or cell lines grown in large factory-sized fermenters. Some people speculated that genetically engineered goats and other so-called “pharm animals” could make a more cost-effective source of drugs because they were less expensive to raise, provided greater quantities of drug products, and could more efficiently manufacture drugs that were difficult for single-cell organisms to produce.
This pin, an advertisement for Genzyme Transgenics, features an image of a goat breaking through a brick wall. It was collected at a biotechnology trade show in 1995.
Sources:
Accession File
“The Land of Milk and Money.” Stix, Gary. Scientific American. November 2005. p. 102.
“Drug From a Goat with a Human Gene.” Pollack, Andrew. New York Times. 7 February 2009. p. B1.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1995
ID Number
2001.3066.03
catalog number
2001.3066.03
nonaccession number
2001.3066
This silver metal canister once contained DNA-polymerase, an enzyme commonly used in molecular biology.
Description (Brief)
This silver metal canister once contained DNA-polymerase, an enzyme commonly used in molecular biology. In living organisms, it plays an important role in DNA replication and repair, by helping to speed along the process of linking together nucleotide bases into the chains that make up DNA.
This particular canister of DNA-polymerase was used in DNA sequencing efforts at the labs at Genentech, a biotechnology company, in the early 1980s.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983-08-16
user
Genentech, Inc.
ID Number
2012.0198.23
accession number
2012.0198
catalog number
2012.0198.23

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