Thursday, April 24, 2008

BodyWorlds 2 Exhibit

I'm not sure if any of you have heard of a unique exhibit called The Body World's exhibit or not but it's on tour here in Baltimore, MD at the Science Center and let me tell you, this is the most fascinating exhibit I have ever seen in my life.
Let me give you a little background. In July 1977, while working as a scientist and research assistant at the University of Heidelberg’s Institute of Pathology and Anatomy, Dr. Gunther von Hagens created a preservation technique called plastination.

Plastination is the groundbreaking invention where all bodily fluids and soluble fat from anatomical specimens are extracted to stop decomposition, and replaced through vacuum-forced impregnation with reactive resins and elastomers, such as silicon rubber and epoxy that harden with gas, light, or heat curing, giving the specimens rigidity and permanence.

To see these actual human cadavers persevered in this manner was totally mind blowing.

Here are a few pictures;