Touring Exhibit

Now Open on Level 4

New Exhibit Explores the Science of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Visitors are guided through the complex science by Seamore, an animated Elvis look-alike starfish that gives information at each exhibit station while playing a key role in the discussion of natural tissue regeneration among a small selection of animals, ultimately moving along to humans, who because of evolution have largely-but, not entirely-lost this ability.

Among many other activities, the exhibit includes a cell puzzle station, where visitors construct a nerve cell and a blood cell; a cell matrix station, which explores the role of the extracellular matrix in cellular function; a stem cell Q & A kiosk; and an area where visitors can learn about professionals in the field and register their opinion about various ethical questions related to tissue engineering.

“This exhibition makes the science behind the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine accessible to students and visitors in ways that are understandable and fun, yet informational,” said Ron Baillie, Co-Director of Carnegie Science Center. “Most people have at least heard about stem cell research and tissue engineering, but we’re presenting the concepts in a way that makes visitors feel more in tune with complex medical technologies that sometimes may seem out of reach.”

Presented in partnership with the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative (PTEI), ASSET Inc. (Achieving Student Success through Excellence in Teaching), the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine of UPMC, and the University of Pittsburgh Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC), the new exhibition-“If a Starfish Can Grow a New Arm, Why Can’t I?” comes to the Orlando Science Center on June 5. This exhibit leads visitors through basic cell biology, explores the science of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, explains the current application and future aspirations of these procedures, and addresses ethical issues involved in this ever-evolving science.

“If a Starfish Can Grow a New Arm, Why Can’t I?” was conceptualized and created by the Starfish Partnership-a group of Pittsburgh-area organizations consisting of PTEI, Carnegie Science Center, ASSET, and the LRDC. The exhibition is made possible by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) from the National Center for Research Resources, a component of the National Institutes of Health.