Explore the Mind at 'Body Worlds and The Brain'

Jessica Pupillo

If you've ever wondered what was going on in your child's, spouse's or even your own head, you're not alone. Often referred to as the final frontier of science, many of the inner workings of the brain remain a mystery. "Body Worlds and the Brain," opening at the Saint Louis Science Center on Friday, June 10, is unraveling the inner workings of the brain and providing visitors with a stunning visual look at the vital organ.

The original "Body Worlds" exhibition, first came to St. Louis four years ago and was met with fascination and a bit of controversy regarding the display of real bodies. The new exhibition is similar to the original, said Dr. Angelina Whalley, conceptual planner and creative designer of the "Body Worlds" exhibitions. Visitors will find preserved displays of the entire body, including the heart, lungs, other healthy organs and other diseased organs, she said. However, "the theme of the brain is woven throughout the entire exhibition as we add on," she said.

Special sections of the exhibition provide an in-depth look at neurological development from the womb to adulthood. Visitors can follow the development of an embryo and fetus through pregnancy, inspect a child's brain and learn more about those tumultuous teen years.

At an age when many parents fear their kids have lost their minds, Dr. Whalley said there's actually incredible growth and development happening in the frontal areas of the brain. "That is why, at this particular age, children tend to behave strange, at least from our point of view," she said.

"They are striving for novelty; they are striving for high-risk events. This is one reason why, at this particular age, sometimes they come up with great, great ideas," Dr. Whalley said. A section of the exhibition shines a light on the accomplishments of teens, including Albert Einstein and Bill Gates.

The exhibition also includes information about the neurology of love, cravings and addiction, sleep and dreams, and Alzheimer's Disease.

Additional Events
While the exhibition is fascinating and worthy of a visit in its own right, what's especially exciting about "Body Worlds" are all the special events the Saint Louis Science Center has planned in conjunction with the exhibition.

"This exhibition is the perfect backdrop for conversations about the neurological problems that impact more and more families everyday," said Philip Needleman, interim president and CEO for the Science Center. "We're excited to supplement an already amazing exhibition with programming to educate our visitors about the complexities of the brain."

Special programming has been scheduled to supplement the exhibition and promote further discussion. Programming includes lectures from local experts:

Thursday, June 23, 7 p.m. - Progress in Autism Research: Toward a Biology of Higher-Impact Intervention with John Nicholas Constantino, M.D., Director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Center and Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at Washington University in St. Louis
Thursday, July 7, 7 p.m. - Alzheimer's Disease: What We Know, What We Don't Know and What We Need to Do to Develop an Effective Treatment with three international leaders in the field of Alzheimer's
Wednesday, August 17, 7 p.m. - ADHD: A Review of Assessment, Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Treatments with Mini Tandon, D.O., Washington University School of Medicine

gymnast_log Artist Nights invite artists into the Science Center to hone their figure-drawing and artistic skills inside the exhibition. The artist nights will be the last Tuesday of every month during the run of the exhibition and are free with the purchase of a ticket to the exhibition. The first two are for families and artists of all ages, and the final two are for adults and art students only due to live, nude models.

Recurring programs of the Science Center, like Family Med School and Science Cafés, will feature a Body Worlds focus and explore neurological afflictions, including Alzheimer's, autism, ADHD and depression.

Tickets to Body Worlds are on sale through the Science Center Box Office. Call 314-289-4424 or visit slsc.org for details. Tickets are $20 for adults ($15 for members), $13 for children ages 5-18 ($11 for members) and $17 for seniors ages 62 and up and students with an I.D. ($13 for members). Children under 5 are free.

The Saint Louis Science Center is located at 5050 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, Mo., 63110.

A Special Note to Parents
All of the human bodies and organs on display are real and preserved using a process called Plastination, invented by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, creator of "Body Worlds." All body parts are exposed, so the Saint Louis Science Center recommends the exhibit be viewed by adults, children 8 and older with a parent, and school groups in grades 5 and up. Please factor in your child's maturity level before visiting the exhibition.