Part 5: Infectious Disease

Part 5: Infectious Disease.

The four bright red and white wedge-shaped exhibits in the center of the museum focus on ways that scientists are approaching infectious disease research. Begin with the outside panel facing the stairs. Here you will learn more about the global impact of the four causes of infectious disease: bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Scientists are surveying how these disease-causing agents adapt to their environment with the goal of finding new targets for treatments.

Even before COVID-19, infectious disease caused 15% of worldwide fatalities, but in low-income countries, it’s the number one cause of death, accounting for 37% of all fatalities. Environmental factors play a large role in one’s access to preventative measures and disease therapies. Several of the research projects Broadies are working on seek solutions to infectious disease that are both cost effective and accessible. 

Move back into the center of this gallery facing the windows and you will notice two digital interactive exhibits called Take a Deeper Look to your left and right. One of the major challenges facing infectious disease physicians is antimicrobial resistance, which is when bacteria have mutated to evade antibiotics. As bacteria build resistance to antibiotics, the number of treatments that work decrease, leading to fatalities. Scientists are exploring new ways of tricking bacteria to win this battle. Start to your right to learn more about antimicrobial resistance. To your left, you can read about how viral genomic surveillance helped us understand the 2021 COVID-19 outbreak in Provincetown, Massachusetts, as well as the 2014 Ebola outbreak in west Africa. The Broad is able to sequence the DNA of not just humans, but also  bacteria and viruses. By sequencing the genetic data of a virus, scientists can learn more about how the disease is changing and spreading.

Finally, directly in front of you at the Points of View digital interactive, you can get first-hand accounts from some of our scientists and community partners about infectious disease research and the Broad’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Broad researchers worked to learn more about COVID-19 at the single cell level, better understand antibodies, and find genetic clues for why some people suffered more severe disease than others. Our genomics platform pivoted to take on processing of COVID-19 PCR tests. The Broad Institute processed more than 37 million COVID tests, and at its height, processed upwards of 150,000 tests a day —  all while continuing its work of sequencing genomes for research. We’re proud that we were able to partner with and serve the community to provide consistent, reliable access to COVID testing during the pandemic. 

When you’re ready, make your way towards the first two maroon and white wedge-shaped exhibits closest to the Infectious Disease gallery.