California Science Center to Open BODY WORLDS: PULSE May 20, 2017

The California Science Center introduced Gunther Von Hagens' BODY WORLDS exhibition of real human bodies to the Americas in 2004, drawing a record setting attendance of nearly one million guests.

In response to popular demand, the Science Center is proud to welcome Dr. Von Hagens' BODY WORLDS: Pulse, opening May 20, 2017. The largest BODY WORLDS exhibition in the past 10 years, Pulse will bring together anatomy and the latest health and wellness findings in a visually compelling and highly entertaining and informative exhibition.

BODY WORLDS: Pulse provides an opportunity to learn about human anatomy, physiology and health through a specially curated exhibition focused on our bodies in modern day life. More than 200 plastinated specimens - including whole bodies, body configurations, translucent slices, and organs, as well as 3D displays - are curated and presented in galleries that feature the various systems of the body.

This generation of plastinates includes an obese body slice, a smoker's black lung and hardened arteries that show the impact of ill health. In contrast, dancers, sports figures, and a woman bearing life illustrate how bodies function when lifestyles support good health and well-being.

Pulse focuses on how the body is impacted by 21st century living and explores this through six main systems of the human body; the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the locomotive system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, and the reproductive system, several of which are highlighted below:

Respiratory Section

The Respiratory Section features plastinated lungs, a larynx, diaphragm, and a complete respiratory tract, which illustrates how the organs work together to provide a constant supply of oxygen to the body. This section also shows the consequences of lifestyle decisions like smoking, with smoker's lungs that have emphysema and cancer, and the blackened lungs of a smoker.

Locomotive Section

In the Locomotive Section, skulls, joints, and upper and lower extremities with musculature reveal how our muscles function to produce fluid movements. Broken bones, a torso with a spine impacted by scoliosis, and a knee joint with osteoporosis demonstrate potential problems seen with the locomotive system, information on how injuries might be prevented are included.

Digestive Section

The Digestive Section invites guests to explore specimens like a full digestive tract, the thoracic and abdominal organs, a pancreas, liver, and the lining of the stomach. Complications and diseases of the digestive system are shown here through a fatty liver, liver slices with metastasis, a configuration of hepatic arteries, and a slice of a fatty abdomen.

Reproductive Section

In the Reproduction Section, embryos, fetuses, reproductive organs and a pregnant woman illustrate the process and development of life from conception through gestation. In a separate, restricted area within this section, body slices and two specimens engaging in the act of reproduction illustrate the anatomy and physiology of fertilization. Interpretive panels discuss fertility and the danger of sexually transmitted infections through the same process. No children under 17 years will be admitted into this section without an accompanying parent or adult guardian.

"We are so pleased to present BODY WORLDS: Pulse," noted California Science Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rudolph. "Through the authenticity of the specimens on display, our visitors will experience the wonder of the real human body and marvel at its elegance and complexity."

BODY WORLDS: Pulse brings to life findings from scientific studies that chronicle the effects of modern-day life on the body and mind and critical connections between the two. Beyond the obvious questions of nutrition and exercise, BODY WORLDS: Pulse explores issues of the pace of one's life, natural tempo and optimal rhythms for healthy living.

"BODY WORLDS: Pulse shows the form and function of the human body, its vulnerability and potential, and the challenges it faces navigating the 21st century," said Dr. Angelina Whalley, Director of the Institute for Plastination and creative and conceptual designer of the exhibition.

Dr. Gunther Von Hagens is the pioneering anatomist and inventor of Plastination, which halts decomposition of the body and makes possible unprecedented ways of studying the human form. His BODY WORLDS exhibitions have been presented to more than 44 million people around the world.

BODY WORLDS: Pulse at the California Science Center is supported by a grant from UniHealth Foundation, a non-profit philanthropic organization whose mission it is to support and facilitate activities that significantly improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities within its service area.

Guests are encouraged to buy their tickets online at – https://californiasciencecenter.org/body-worlds-tickets

BODY WORLDS: Pulse admission prices are $19.95 for adults; $16.95 for seniors 60+; $16.95 for youth 13 to 17 and college students with I.D., and $12.95 for children 4 - 12. Member rates are $12.95 for adults, $11.95 for Seniors 60+; $11.95 for youth 13 to 17 and college students with I.D .; and $10.95 for children 4 - 12. Special rates for schools and other groups of 15 and over apply. The exhibition's special group information number is (213) 744-2019. Combo tickets to the exhibition and IMAX films are also available.

The California Science Center welcomes both adults and children to BODY WORLDS: Pulse. However this exhibition may not be suitable for some children and the Science Center has determined that a responsible adult must accompany all children 12 years old and younger. Guests with children can become familiar with the exhibition by reading the one-page Parent Guide before deciding whether or not to bring your child to BODY WORLDS: Pulse. Other material is available for further information.

About BODY WORLDS - The specimens presented in Gunther Von Hagens' BODY WORLDS exhibitions stem from the Institute for Plastination's body donation program. To date there are more than 16,000 registered body donors to the Institute, with more than 1,300 of them Americans, 297 from California. All of the specimens have been preserved through Plastination, a process that replaces the natural fluids in the body with reactive plastics that are initially pliable, and then harden after infusion. By hardening the plastic in the specimens, they may be permanently preserved in life-like poses, which illustrate how our bodies internally respond to everyday movements.

About the California Science Center - The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe-inspiring films. The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive. The Science Center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm. Parking is $12, cash only.