Discovery Center display shows how hand functions

|tab|

It isn't every day a person encounters a giant, 12-foot-tall mechanical human hand, and in this high-tech age, the experience is ergonomically enlightening.|ret||ret||tab|

"Anyone who thinks the human hand is simple should try this," said Charlotte McCoy, the marketing and special events director of the Discovery Center, as she looked up at the imposing machine. "It takes a whole team to make it work." |ret||ret||tab|

The hand, a phenomenon in itself, is a central display in a colorful and educational traveling exhibit titled "A Show of Hands" now appearing at the center. |ret||ret||tab|

McCoy knelt at the machine's base and began turning a handle in a circular motion, making one of the giant fingers slowly tip downward. |ret||ret||tab|

Each joint of each finger is articulated, she said, and the hand operates hydraulically. The display also includes a giant basketball and giant basketball hoop, and if enough people operate all the handles simultaneously and coordinate the action, it's possible to make the hand grasp the ball, lift it, and do "a giant slam dunk."|ret||ret||tab|

McCoy noted other exhibits in the show:|ret||ret||tab|

"Hand Facts" shows how many bones are in the hand and how the hand does daily tasks like turning a doorknob or pulling a lever.|ret||ret||tab|

"What's in a Hand?" explores the anatomy of the hand, focusing on bones, joints, and ligaments by working puzzles, shaking hands with "Mr. No-Bones" and analyzing actual hand sections under glass. (The phrase "carpal tunnel syndrome" takes on new meaning when you're looking at an actual cross section of a human wrist that suffered from the malady. )|ret||ret||tab|

"Skin Deep" focuses on the protectors of the hand, including its skin and nails. Visitors can place their hands on thermal mylar to see if they have "icy fingers or sweaty palms."|ret||ret||tab|

"How Do You Measure Up" lets visitors test their reaction time, measure their grip and pinch strengths, and examine their general physical fitness, including speed and range of finger movement.|ret||ret||tab|

"What Can Hands Do?" lets visitors "read" with their fingers, "talk" with their hands and make an impression of their hands.|ret||ret||tab|

"Why Can't I Get a Grip?" has visitors wear a glove that restricts the normal gripping action of the hand?|ret||ret||tab|

"Helping Hands" reveals the technology available today to replace arthritic joints and even reattach severed hands in a manner that often restores full function in a matter of months.|ret||ret||tab|

McCoy , noting that the Discovery Center is a nonprofit organization supported by private donations and grant funding, said the "A Show of Hands" exhibit is sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Scott Swango, Dr. and Mrs. Hugh Harris, Dr. and Mrs. Mike Grillot, Dr. and Mrs. Brad Wyrsch, and the Smith Glynn Callaway Medical Foundation. |ret||ret||tab|

"We're so grateful for their support," she said. "The exhibit has been a huge success, and we have them to thank for it."|ret||ret||tab|

The exhibit has been such a success that the center, located at 438 St. Louis St. in Springfield, is extending its stay until May 27, the day before Memorial Day. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free to members, $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for children 3-12.[[In-content Ad]]