The science of super heroes

Starting March 26, L.A.'s California Science Center will feature an exhibit on the science behind Spider-Man, the Hulk and other Marvel super heroes. One exhibit will even let visitors put on an Iron Man-like "exo-suit" and pick up a Scion (of course, those cars are so small that the exo-suit is probably optional).

From the press release:


Engaging and interactive experiences will encourage visitors to learn about real life science and technology through the mythic powers of Super Heroes. Is there a biological basis to Hulk's transformation? How can knowledge of simple mechanics help us command the strength of Iron Man? Visitors of all ages will enjoy finding the answers to these questions and more as they learn about science and technology while living the fantasy of their favorite Marvel Super Hero.

“Marvel Super Heroes is a wonderful avenue to introduce visitors to the remarkable achievements of current science and technology—achievements that in many ways give us special powers we dream of through the comics, such as Doc Ock's dexterity with prosthetics, Iron Man's physical strength, and Daredevil's sight in the face of blindness,” said Jeffrey N. Rudolph, President of the California Science Center.

In this exhibition, visitors can explore the science and power within Marvel's Super Heroes. Visitors can:

• See if their senses are as sharp as Daredevil's when they navigate through an alleyway using their sense of touch and hearing clues (“psst over here”)
  
• Investigate the Incredible Hulk's brain and learn which areas are responsible for generating human emotions such as rage—the key to Hulk's super abilities
  
• Discover what it's like to have a helping hand or three with Doctor Octopus through the engineering technology of prosthetic limbs
  
• Examine how lightning is created and calculate the distance of a thunderstorm that destroys a villain in the Storm exhibit.
  
• See how an optical illusion known as motion-induced blindness can make the Invisible Woman disappear

Other exihibits include an X-Men-themed "institute" where kids can learn about genetic mutation, a theater that shows an interview with Stan Lee and timeline that covers the history of Marvel Comics. The exhibit runs through Sept. 4. For more information, check out www.californiasciencecenter.org.