Today, thanks to a generous gift from a friend, I went to see Gunther von Hagen's BODY WORLDS & THE BRAIN exhibit at OMSI in Portland (Oregon). My profound reaction to what I saw and learned about the human body and the brain was overwhelming. Quoting from the article on the OMSI webpage, "This special review of the brain interjects encyclopedic and clinical information with compelling views of the actual physical brain from conception to old age, new insights from RI and Plastination technology, and the developing canon of findings in neuroscience."
The body is shown in a variety of ranges of motion from playing baseball to partners skating on ice. Musculature, internal organs, and skeletal construction are visible as layer by layer is exposed. The brain itself is the core topic of this exhibit. "We're now at the beginning of an era where it's possible for the first time to understand the brain and by so doing understand ourselves." Quote by UC San Diego neuroscientist, Dr. William Mobley.
We live in a time of tremendous breakthroughs in the area of neuroscience. We now know that even as the body ages, at the same time it is possible to continue to grow the brain (create new neurons) with exercise, both physical and mental.
I'm proud to work in a field that gives people hope through various programs, both online and hands on in classes, giving them the means to maintain mental acuity into their later years. I applaud those seniors who embrace these opportunities. I encourage everyone to attend this exhibit and learn more about that miracles we call our bodies and our brains.
OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) Portland, Oregon
Look for this exhibit in your city as it travels across the country
www.omsi.edu
