The genomic revolution is changing our understanding of our identity as a species and our place in the natural world. Not only do we share 99.9% of our genes with each other, but we also share 98% of our genes with chimpanzees, 90% with mice, 21% with worms, and 7% with a simple bacterium such as E. coli—a striking demonstration of the continuity of life on Earth. This section explores how genes work, how nature (our genetic inheritance) interacts with nurture (our environment) to influence what we become, and how we may be shifting the balance, now that we have the capacity to alter the genomic code of life. The first of three polling stations lets visitors examine their knowledge of genomics and compare their responses to those of other visitors and to a nationwide Harris Poll. Scientists have known about DNA since 1871. But an unassuming scientific paper published by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953 revolutionized the notion of life itself by unveiling DNA's form: the double helix. Humans don't appear to have much in common with mice and worms. Yet despite the differences among organisms—wings, leaves, feet or fins—most share a surprising number of genes. Look around you: no two people are exactly alike. But believe it or not, we all share 99.9% of the same DNA. Genes we inherit from our parents do indeed guide how the body develops and functions. But our individual environment— starting in the womb— plays a large role in determining the outcome. Genes also guide the physical development, functions and maintenance of our bodies from the moment we are conceived. All of our senses—sight, touch, taste, smell and hearing—depend on how our genes direct our bodies to interpret stimuli.