Professor Nicholas Spencer and his team discovered how millions of neurons in the gut – often called the “second brain” – are able to control muscle movement in the colon. In a world-first, they observed the distinct pattern of neuronal firing that occurs during a bowel movement.

And it was your support that provided the specialised imaging equipment which made this discovery possible!

Prof Spencer said this discovery could have huge benefits for people suffering chronic gut problems.

“People are now realising the gut is more than just an organ to absorb nutrients and expel waste,”

“The gut has far greater impacts on overall health and wellbeing and the human psychology. “Given we now know what causes the muscle cells to contract in the colon, we can use this understanding to develop new treatments." Prof Spencer says.

“This includes the potential to replace drugs as a less toxic remedy to debilitating gastrointestinal conditions.”