MUSEUM HOLDS RECEPTION FOR "CONCEPTION TO BIRTH"

The opening reception for the museum's newest exhibit, "Conception to Birth," was held on Oct. 29. The exhibit is based on the book by visualization artist Alexander Tsiaras that uses colorized images to trace the growth and development of human life. Many of the images in the book and exhibit are part of the museum's Carnegie Human Embryology Collection. The reception was attended by embryologists, scientists, members of the literary and museum communities, artists, anatomists, and physicians.

Adrianne Noe, Ph.D., the museum's director, welcomed guests to the museum and unveiled the exhibit.

In addition to Tsiaras, author of "From Conception to Birth: A Life Unfolds," guest speakers at the reception also included U.S. Navy CAPT. Glenn Wagner, Director of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology; Duane Alexander, M.D., director of Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health; and William Thomas, editor-in-chief at Doubleday Books.

By using new medical imaging technologies, Tsiaras was able to capture images of the developing baby from never before seen angles. More than 80 of these images and a 10-minute video that chronicle human development from conception to birth will be on display at the museum through Aug. 29, 2003. A resource center allows museum visitors a chance to view Tsiaras' book as well as other books about human development. The book is on sale at the museum gift shop or can be ordered at www.doubleday.com.