A traveling science exhibition is taking children on an interactive journey through the hidden world of microbes.  “Microbes:  Invisible Invaders ... Amazing Allies” uncovers a mysterious universe of microscopic organisms--from those that sustain life on Earth to those that threaten our health and even our existence.

A 3,000-square-foot set of “Microbes:  Invisible Invaders ... Amazing Allies,” based on the bigger blockbuster show by the same name, began a five-year, 15-city tour of the U.S. on October 23 at the Witte Museum in San Antonio, Texas.

The interactive, 3,000-square-foot exhibit reveals what microbes are (bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa--”germs” to most people), explores a history of infectious diseases and shows how researchers and individuals fight infection worldwide.

Kid-friendly technology highlights hands-on activities.  Interactive displays, computer animation, theatrical sets and special effects bring microbes to life.

The exhibit is sponsored by Pfizer Inc and produced by Evergreen Exhibitions in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“This exhibit separates fact from fiction about microbes,” said C.L. Clemente, senior vice president-corporate affairs for Pfizer Inc.  “By understanding how microbes can hurt us and also how they help us, families can make smarter choices about their health and learn about the strides we’re making in research to stay one step ahead.”

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a component of the NIH, infectious diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide and the third leading killer of North Americans.  More than 30 newly recognized infectious diseases and syndromes have emerged in the last two decades alone.  Another challenge has been the development of drug-resistant strains of many common infections, making them increasingly difficult to treat and requiring ongoing medical research.

“As the statistics demonstrate, infectious diseases continue to be a serious problem throughout the world,” said John R. La Montagne, Ph.D., director, NIAID’s Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.  “This exhibit will help people understand how medical research can contribute to the development of new treatments and vaccines.  We hope the exhibit will also inspire the next generation of medical researchers.”  

Pfizer Inc is a research-based, global health care company.  The company’s mission is to discover and develop innovative, value-added products that improve the quality of life of people around the world and help them enjoy longer, healthier and more productive lives.  Pfizer is headquartered in Manhattan and maintains its original manufacturing plant in Brooklyn, N.Y.

NIAID is a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  NIAID conducts and supports research to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as HIV disease and other sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, asthma and allergies.  NIH is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

For information please visit the Microbes Web site at http://www.pfizer.com/rd/microbes.

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