Body Worlds a fascinating exhibit

By Mae Velasco [Current Events Bureau Chief]

Body Worlds by Dr. Gunther Von Hagens returns again to Vancouver, this time exposing “The Brain.” If you haven’t seen the exhibition, you should definitely go and here’s why.

Imagine looking at the human body in a whole different way; body parts are revealed meticulously in complete, precise detail. And to think, the specimens or Plastinations are real body donors. The bodies are from voluntary donors who agreed to have their bodies used for scientific purposes–such as the Body Worlds exhibition–after their death.

Can I imagine my body going through a state like this after death? To have myself torn apart and letting my insides be a public event for the whole world to see? Not likely. But that’s just me.

Walking into the exhibition with a friend, we were amazed with the first spectacle. A brain, a human brain, was right there. It was twirling around in circles and I could see the veins and how healthy it was. I was captivated by the sight of the brain and that was just the beginning.

One body was animated enough to seem to want shake hands, and though the natural response to the gesture was tempting, the rules were clearly outlined: no touching, no cell phones, no food and drink, and no pictures in respect for the body donors. But nevertheless, every time I walked through a new case of specimen, there was something to learn (and to want to touch). Thankfully, there was one such booth that we were allowed to touch the specimen. One informative Science World employee who manned the booth let attendees touch some real preserved livers and kidneys–which was actually way cool.

Each full body displayed usually had a title such as “The Ballet Dancer”, “The Baseball Player” or “The X-Lady”. The Plastination would define the specific areas of muscle groups, blood vessels or bones related to the title and pin-point the area on the body. It was both a delight and a disgust of horror to see that a body can be so flexible, even in death. The intestines were so delicate that many people looked on them with fascination.

Written on the walls of the exhibition, there were informative tidbits on the brain that explained how we dream and how Alzheimer’s happens. The exhibition was successful at creating a fun way of educating the public on the human body.

Science World will be exhibiting Body Worlds and The Brain until January 2011. With the offering of a student rate and the exhibitions extended stay in our city, you have no excuse to miss it. You’ll truly enjoy the thrill of the night, just like this reviewer did.