"Grossology" comes to the Florida Museum of Natural History

"Grossology" comes to the Florida Museum of Natural History

Get ready to be grossed out while exploring why the human body produces mushy, oozy, crusty, scaly and stinky gunk at "Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body" during its appearance at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville, September 27 through January 11, 2009.

Based on the best-selling book "Grossology," by Sylvia Branzei, this exhibition uses sophisticated animatronics and imaginative exhibits to tell visitors the good, the bad and the downright ugly about runny noses, body odor and much more.

Two visitors discover what it's like to be dust particles in the nose."We're excited about bringing this blockbuster to Gainesville," said Darcie MacMahon, Florida Museum exhibits director. "It has received rave reviews at many major U.S. venues. The Grossology magic has lots to do with its frank treatment of subjects that are often taboo -- exploring them in a fun, light way to inspire curiosity and teach about human biology."

Visitors can take a "Tour du Nose" to explore 10 nasal features, including how the nose acts as an air filter, a smell sensor and a mucus producer. The pinball game "Gas Attack" shows players how food items cause flatulence with bumpers and bright lights. The "Burp Machine" mimics the buildup of acid indigestion and finishes with a giant belch. "Urine: The Game" teaches contestants about the role of the kidneys. Children and adults can take a ride on the gastrointestinal slide, climb a large-scale replica of human skin and discover other mysterious ways the body's biology does what it needs to do to stay healthy.

Branzei, a former science teacher from northwest Washington, developed the idea for "Grossology" based on her students' natural fascination with blood, snot and slime. The book and exhibit teach viewers about their bodies through topics not found in a typical science textbook in everyday language.

Even if snot and slime aren't the picture of a fun time, "Grossology" has something for anyone wanting to learn more about the human body.

"While kids and families are a natural for this show, all audiences enjoy its accessible and entertaining approach," MacMahon said.

Admission to "Grossology" is $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for Florida residents, $6 for seniors and students, and $5.50 for children ages 3-12. For more information call (352) 846-2000.

---

Did you know?

The stomach's hydrochloric acid is so strong it can dissolve stainless steel razor blades.

The large intestine is about 5 feet long. The small intestine is about 25 feet long.

The nose can sense smell best at 10 years old.

The mouth is the most unsanitary part of the human body. More than 100 million micro-creatures live there at any given time.

The nostrils take turns inhaling. One nostril breathes for 3 to 4 hours then switches to the other.

 

Ear wax coats the inside of the ear canal to trap any nasty stuff like dirt, dust and bugs that get into the ear. People who live in big cities make more ear wax.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. It produces a whole new layer every 28 days

About 10 billion tiny scales of skin rub off the body every day. In a lifetime, this dead skin could fill eight 5-pound flour bags.

Fresh urine is cleaner than spit or the skin on the face because healthy pee is not home to bacteria.

The average person swallows about 1 quart of snot every day.

---

The Florida Museum of Natural History is Florida's state natural history museum, dedicated to understanding, preserving and interpreting biological diversity and cultural heritage. It is located near the intersection of Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza in Gainesville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Butterfly Rainforest admission is $9.50 for adults ($8 Fla. residents) and $5 for children ages 3-12. Prices are subject to change. For more information, including directions and parking, call (352) 846-2000, or visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu.