HMRI Poo Palace puts digestive issues conversation on the menu

Thursday, 2 March 2023

A giant, inflatable and explorable digestive system will be unveiled for the first time at the Newcastle Show.

HMRI Poo Palace storyA giant, inflatable and explorable digestive system will be unveiled for the first time at the Newcastle Show.

The brainchild of the University of Newcastle’s Gastrointestinal Research Group from Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), the Poo Palace is a free attraction at the Newcastle Show from Friday 3 March to Sunday 5 March.

Starting in the mouth and working through the stomach and small intestine before emerging in the colon, the HMRI Poo Palace illustrates each stage of the human digestive system.

Participants will be invited to climb into the huge mouth, walk through the digestive system and exit via the bottom. They can also participate in live experiments, make playdough poos and pick up a free showbag.

HMRI researcher Dr Bridie Goggins said the team was aiming to de-stigmatise talking about poo as it’s a great indicator of health.

“We want kids and adults to feel comfortable talking about poo and gastrointestinal health – especially if there’s anything unusual going on,” she said.

Researchers will be available to answer questions about gut health.

The HMRI Gastrointestinal Research Group is led by Professor Simon Keely and is part of the Centre for Research Excellence in Digestive Health lead by world-renowned GI researchers and clinicians including Laureate Professor Nick Talley. For more information about the Group, click here. (Centre of Research Excellence in Digestive Health)

* HMRI is a partnership between the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health, and the community.

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