We Go Way Back is an exhibition exploring how ancient DNA is revealing new insights into human evolution, migration, culture and disease.
By Penny Dampier
EC1 Echo were privileged to get a sneaky peek of the fantastic new exhibition at The Francis Crick Institute – We Go Way Back – which opened to the public today (Thu 16th July).
In attendance were esteemed classicist and broadcaster, and member of the exhibition steering group Mary Beard, and Pontus Skoglund, Senior Group Leader of the Ancient Genomics Laboratory at the Crick.
Mary Beard told the Echo, that these new and ever evolving techniques in exploring ancient DNA are: “…showing us how DNA is helping history to change. It’s not the only thing that is doing that, but it’s playing a part in a new way, and we’re finding out things about the past. We’re finding out that some of the skeletons that we’d always thought were male – are not! And a lot of other surprises…”
Many of the scientific team involved in the important DNA work going on at the Crick, were also there to talk about the significance of analysing ancient DNA to help with understanding disease, and many other things!
Check out our previous article here for more about the exhbition.
It is a fascinating, immersive, and interactive exhibition, and it’s also family friendly and free to enter.
Head to our Instagram account to see a clip of our interview with Mary Beard, and a whistlestop tour of the exhibition!
We Go Way Back is at The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT
Exhibition opening times:
Wednesday – 10am to 8pm
Thursday – 10am to 4pm
Friday – 10am to 4pm
Saturday – 10am to 4pm
Closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays
