In July, Gunther Von Hagens' astounding exhibition, Body Worlds Vital, launched at Newcastle's Life Centre, showcasing human anatomy on real bodies, which have all undergone Gunther's method of plastination. Sixth Form students from Biology, Applied Science, Phsychology and Health-and-Social Care were among the first to visit the exhibition.

To create the exhibits, the world-famous anatomist invented a special way of preserving the human body in its entirety without the skin. The process involves preserving the organs and tissue of the body, followed by the removal of all vital fluids with acetone, with the final model being hardened by a liquid plastic. Inside the exhibition, these preserved bodies are artistically posed to represent everyday activities with an unusual twist, such as a fisherman segmented to appear like a giant, and a man playing badminton with himself!

Coupled with these models, organs from the preserved bodies created an independent exhibit, showcasing the effects of disease or good health, for example the difference in size and weight of a normal heart and the larger athlete's heart.

Students were fascinated by the unique blend of science and art created by Gunther Von Hagens; it was a fantastic opportunity to see and begin to understand the intricacies of the human body.

Report by Daniel B, Year 12