The Carnegie Science Center has premiered a locally produced animated film that describes the evolution of the immune system and type 1 diabetes in awe-inspiring detail.

Full of color and drama, and shown in the other-world atmosphere of the center's Buhl Planetarium Digital Dome, the film combines science with emotion in a tale about a 7-year-old young girl, Sylvie, who asks why she has type 1 diabetes. Her inquiry prompts her mother to explain in dazzling detail the evolution of the immune system that culminates with the autoimmune response that causes type 1.

John Pollock, associate professor of biological sciences at Duquesne University, produced and directed "Our Cells, Our Selves," which will be presented at 4 p.m. each weekday, beginning Monday, in the planetarium.

The 20-minute animation represents the eighth educational film that Dr. Pollock, along with a long list of collaborators, has produced on health topics. He said he adapted his hobby in animation to help educate children and the public about health and science.

In "Our Cells, Our Selves," animation floating overhead fills the entire dome, along with original music and story line that keeps one's attention. It ends with discussion about potentials for a cure of type 1.

John Radzilowicz, science center director of visitor experience, said the production makes "cutting edge science accessible to as many people as possible."

"We reach millions of people across the country and worldwide," he said. "We plan to distribute this to other cities and science centers."

Dr. Pollock said the project was completed with a $1.3 million federal grant through the National Institutes of Health. The production also involved Duquesne University, the Entertainment Technology Center and Studio for Creative Inquiry at Carnegie Mellon University, the science center, the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, along with scientists, artists and physicians from other institutions in Pittsburgh.

In conjunction with the film, the CMU Entertainment Technology Center also produced a videogame, "Immun-ologee," which teaches children about the immune system and allows them to use white blood cells to destroy dead cells and waste material in the body. The game takes only minutes to play and strives to present an accurate portrayal of how the immune system works.

The science center plans to place the game in the center so people can have fun learning about the immune system.

In conjunction with the film and game, the project also offers interactive Web activities, teacher-student workbooks and classroom activities for school and home.

For more information, visit www.sepa.duq.edu/education.