Who organized and produced Our Body: The Universe Within?
Our Body: The Universe Within is a traveling science exhibition on human anatomy produced by The Universe Within Touring Company, LLC of Baltimore, Maryland. Our Body: The Universe Within is an exhibition that educationally and artfully displays 20 complete human bodies and approximately 200 other anatomical specimens which reveal an enlightening understanding of the human body. Our Body: The Universe Within should not be confused with other traveling exhibitions, including “Body Worlds” or “Bodies, The Exhibition”, nor is it affiliated with either exhibition.

What is the purpose of the exhibit and why do we use actual human specimens?
Our Body: The Universe Within provides exhibit visitors the opportunity to study the human anatomy by going “under the skin”, allowing the general public to see what normally only doctors and scientists are allowed to see first hand. The actual human specimens have been preserved through a polymer impregnation process that replaces fluids with polymers that prevent decay and decomposition. Actual human specimens allow the general public to have a deeper understanding of the body’s form and function, and a stronger appreciation of the uniqueness of our individual body. The specimens have been displayed in an artful, compelling and dignified environment. Actual human bodies provide visitors with a “real experience.”

What does polymer impregnation mean and how is it related to the plastination process? 
The unique method used to preserve the actual human specimens is sometimes referred to as plastination, but is a process in which the body’s water and fat is replaced with reactive plastics. The polymer plastic is initially pliable, enabling the specimens to be placed in different life-like positions and then hardens after infusions. Organs are identical to their preservation state down to the microscopic level. Plastinate specimens are completely dry and odorless. They present the human body in a dramatic, artful and insightful way.

How is Our Body: The Universe Within different from other body shows currently touring the United States?
Our Body: The Universe Within is a fascinating scientific and educational study of the human anatomy which further explores how the study of the human body has evolved through the evolution of anatomical artwork. The actual human specimens serve as an engaging resource that vibrantly illustrates how far mankind has come in its search to truly discover what lies underneath the human body. Various interactive displays teach and educate the visitor. MicroWorld, through the use of microscope displays, allows the visitor to study the intricate beauty of the human cell, comparing various cell structures and human tissues throughout the human body.

Is Our Body: The Universe Within suitable for small children and what age is appropriate to view the exhibition?
Our Body: The Universe Within provides a unique educational opportunity to teach human anatomy. The exhibition will be made available to student groups in public and private schools and will also provide special interactive teaching tools for children as well as a children’s audio tour. Because of the nature of the exhibition, it is a personal choice for any parent or care giver as to what is age appropriate for such an educational presentation. Through various school programs, children may attend the exhibit with their teacher, parent or adult, as they choose.

How do we distinguish the bodies in the exhibition from cadavers?
It is far more accurate to refer to the actual human bodies exhibited in Our Body: The Universe Within as specimens. A human specimen is first preserved in accordance with standard mortuary science. The specimen then undergoes a polymer preservation process to be readied for anatomical presentation, research and education. These specimens are intended for anatomical research, education, study and preservation.

Will we recognize or know any of the specimens in Our Body: The Universe Within and where do these specimens come from?
All of the anatomical specimens contained in Our Body: The Universe Within originate from China and have been provided for the exhibit consistent with the laws of China. The anatomical specimens are not owned by the exhibitors, but are provided by a Chinese foundation to promote educational and medical research of the human body. While we do not have the specific identity of each anatomical specimen, they have been donated through medical schools and other research facilities in China to promote education, science and medical research of the human body.