We would have paid more attention in science class if the teacher had explained cell biology with jazz music. Harold Varmus has said that “Cells are like tiny orchestras, and they contain several instruments.’’ The Nobel Prize-winning doctor and researcher partners with his trumpet-playing son, Jacob, for Genes & Jazz. The talk explores similarities between jazz and science and includes a performance by the Jacob Varmus Quintet. This event complements the Museum of Science temporary exhibit “Wild Music: Sounds and Songs of Life.’’ 7:30 p.m. $15. Museum of Science, Science Park, Boston. 617-723-2500. www.mos.org/events