Me in 3D - Science Museum exhibition of 3D images will help research into treatment of facial disfigurement
Last updated 1/18/2012 9:51:54 AM
Me in 3D - Science Museum exhibition of 3D images will help research into treatment of facial disfigurement
Visitors to a new Science Museum exhibition who have their photograph taken in 3D will help with vital facial research.
The photographs will be taken at the museum in South Kensington, London, using the latest 3D imaging technology. They will be used to form the largest database of 3D facial images in the world.
The project, Me in 3D, is part of the museum's ongoing Live Science programme, where visitors can volunteer to take part in real experiments conducted by visiting surgeons from Great Ormond Street Hospital, University College Hospital and the Eastman Dental Hospital and Institute.
The event will explore what our faces look like in another dimension and the photographs will be used by the researchers to study patterns in face shape. This could help the surgeons improve treatment for patients with facial disfigurement.
Priya Umachandran, Contemporary Science Developer at the Science Museum said, "The Science Museum thrives on engaging visitors in the latest contemporary science issues and our Live Science programme lets visitors meet the experts and involves the public directly in cutting-edge research which has an impact upon all of us."
Dr Chris Abela, Senior Craniofacial Fellow, Great Ormond Street Hospital said: "We know a lot about the bones in our faces but little is known about what makes our face the shape it is and about the skin and muscles that make up our face. By collecting as many 3D face photographs as we can we will have a greater understanding of our complex faces, and have greater knowledge to plan and perform the best facial surgery in the future. This is a really exciting event and we want as many children, young people and adults to come and see themselves in 3D."
Me in 3D runs until 10 April in the Live Science area on the first floor of the Wellcome Wing. The experiments are free and open to all visitors and no booking is required. For more information visit http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/mein3d or http://www.mein3d.info