BODIES REVEALED at Sci-Port
BODIES REVEALED Exhibition, Sci-Port in Shreveport, through May 2012
It will be worth a trip to Sci-Port in Shreveport to see the amazing Exhibition BODIES REVEALED. If may sound a bit creepy but you’ll see real dead people preserved with polymers. This is not a typical medical study where the bodies are positioned on gurneys; instead, bodies of all ages and sizes are displayed in number of athletic and everyday postures with various internal organs revealed.
This show highlights the inner workings of the human body, from the respiratory to the reproductive systems. Keep in mind that these were real people that have donated their bodies to science. Much of the BODIES REVEALED showcases the effects of abuse that we subject our bodies to, complete with diseased organs. Obesity, cancers, liver and lungdamage are all exposed which may promote healthier living for us all. The reason artistic renderings weren’t used for this exhibit is because people tend to beautify or ‘fix’ human flaws instead of being completely objective.
As odd as it may sound, these people are ‘made in China’. Each person had donated their bodies for medical studies to Chinese universities and each one died of natural causes. The Chinese have some of the world’s best dissectors and the top practitioners in the field of plastination.
Cool to the touch and ranging from rigid to flexible, they are preserved to last for many years. This polymer preservation method can take up to one year to preserve a complete body with a liquid silicon rubber. Interestingly, the brain is it the hardest organ to preserve in the original size as it’s composed of water and lipids (fats).
My sister Liz, recently viewed the Exhibition with her sons and stated that at times you become so engrossed in the complex workings of the body that you tend to forget that the models were once living and breathing people. Teachers/guides are available for elementary to post grad students. Sci-Port also has a special audio tour for children.
Even if you aren’t interested in viewing the BODIES REVEALED Exhibition (which I can’t imagine!), the Planetarium is world class in itself. Also, the month of February is featuring Born Wild, Tornado Alley and Under the Sea at their IMAX Dome Theater. Sci-Port is an adventure for any age, not to mention a great place to celebrate a birthday party or special event.
BODIES REVEALED runs through May 21, 2012. The Exhibition is open every day but please visit www.Sciport.org for hours, prices and details.
While in Shreveport, lunch at Sci-Port for basic snacks or light foods. Just a few blocks away is The Blind Tiger, famous for their original Louisiana fare. Nicky’s serves up Mexican food and you are close enough to the casino buffets to satisfy any taste.
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