Anna Mancuso Naquin
April 30, 2008
Edna Mae Westbrook Smith Guilfore
May 2, 2008
The human body is a fascinating thing. It’s form and function are awe-inspiring and educational. Just a car ride away, locals can get an up-close look at how the human body works. “Our Body: The Universe Within” is on display through the end of the month at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in Mobile, Ala.
The exhibit features real human bodies and literally goes “under the skin” to explore the splendor of the human body and the systems at work every second of our existence, said Ilka Porter, education coordinator of the Gulf Coast Exploreum.
“The Exploreum is especially excited to provide this educational opportunity to area students,” said Ilka Porter, education coordinator of the Gulf Coast Exploreum. “Not only does this exhibition follow our mission, to increase science literacy, but it also provides curriculum-relevant material that cannot be experienced in the classroom.”
Indeed, the human anatomy lesson is comprised of 12 whole-body specimens and 75 anatomical displays that have been preserved through polymer impregnation. The process, sometimes referred to as plastination, replaces water and fat with reactive plastics that prevent decomposition. Porter said the process, which has been around for three decades, maintains the integrity of the organs, veins and muscles.
Visitors see a spectacularly illustrative study of the human body, a perspective formerly reserved for those in the medical field.
The exhibit is designed to give viewers a better appreciation for their own bodies, Porter said. A component of the walk-through “Our Body” is three-dimensional views of healthy versus diseased tissues and organs, which vividly demonstrate the profound impact daily choices have on the quality of one’s life.
“This exhibit provides the Exploreum with a unique opportunity to educate the community about health and lifestyle choices – a lesson that affects every segment of the population,” said Mike Sullivan, executive director of the Gulf Coast Exploreum. “Through science and technology we can continue to improve quality of life along the Gulf Coast, a worthwhile reason to bring ‘Our Body’ to the area.”
“Our Body” also explores the impact the human form has had on history, art and science. It follows the paths of “The Father of Anatomy,” Vesalius, to the contributions of Leonardo da Vinci, world-reknowned artist.
And after viewing “Our Body,” visitors can travel through the body’s systems via a 3D film. Behind 3D glasses, viewers will watch blood cells chart a course through the circulatory system; zip up the spinal cord to the control center of the body; or follow a food particle through the digestive system.
At the IMAX Dome Theatre, the adventure continues with National Geographic’s “Wired to Win,” a film about the human brain. Following two Tour de France cyclists, the film explores how they are able to overcome pain, fear and fatigue in pursuit of the yellow journey.
The theatre is also showing “The Human Body,” a winner of Best Film for Lifelong Learning, which documents a day in the life of the human body and the systems that keep it running at full steam from morning until night.
“Our Body: The Universe Within” is on display daily. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and teens; and $17 for children ages 2 to 12. The price includes admission to the exhibit as well as Exploreum’s Hands on Hall, Wharf of Wonder, Minds on Hall, Ciba Lab and Digital Journeys Virtual Theatre. The IMAX film is $5 more.
For more information, visit www.exploreum.com.
