The University of Northern Iowa has become the first higher education institution in the world to receive the latest generation of synthetic cadavers, known as syndavers, according to a press release. The life-sized models are designed for hands-on learning and replicate the human body in detail, including individual muscles, tendons, veins, arteries, nerves and organs. By using syndavers, UNI has been able to maintain hands-on learning in anatomy courses while avoiding the drawbacks or complications of virtual or cadaver-based alternative approaches. Assessment scores have increased since introducing the syndavers, and students have reported enjoying the experience of learning with them. UNI has integrated these synthetic bodies into its health-related major programs and has become a model for other institutions in Iowa when it comes to using syndavers in education. The newest model of syndavers includes improved accuracy in its representation of the body, greater durability in its structures and synthetic tissues, and a more lifelike feel.