About our group

Researchers are developing tools and techniques to improve our understanding of the gastrointestinal (GI) system.

The major functions of the GI system include ingestion, digestion, absorption, excretion and protection. These important and sophisticated functions are coordinated via a number of different organs and over a range of length and time scales.

• Can we help to improve our understanding of how the GI system processes food?

We have developed mathematical models of the stomach and small intestine (a virtual gut), to help understand the breakdown of food and to test hypotheses. Our models explain the electrophysiological processes from cellular to organ level occurring during the digestion. They also help to define and visualise the effects of structural and functional abnormalities in the GI organs on the digestion.

• Can we develop new tools to accurately diagnose the electrical dysfunction associated with various forms of severe indigestion?

We have developed new devices and techniques for high-resolution mapping of gut electrophysiology, including automated signal processing and model-based analysis and visualisation software. We are now in the exciting phase of applying all of these techniques to clinical practice.

• Can we develop new therapies to help treat GI electrical dysfunction disorders?

We are currently testing and refining new medical devices and therapeutic techniques that have the potential to help correct abnormal GI function. Our devices and techniques are tested through in-vivo experiments and assessed by post-processing analyses and modelling.

Primary contact

Leo Cheng

Academics

Jarrah Dowrick
Leo Cheng
Nadun Palmada
Nipuni Nagahawatte
Niranchan Paskaranandavadivel
Peng Du
Recep Avci
Tim Angeli-Gordon

Students

Chaveeka Weerakoon
Jack Xu
Kiara Miller
Litian Su
Omkar Athavale
Savindi Narmada Wijenayaka

Asia

• Prof John A Rudd, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  

Europe

• Prof Oliver Röhrle, University of Stuttgart, Germany
• Prof Jean-Marie Vanderwinden, Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
  

North America

• Prof Thomas L Abell, University of Louisville, USA
  
• Associate Prof. Arthur Beyder, Mayo Clinic, USA
  
• Prof Gail Bornhorst, University of California Davis, USA
• Assoc Prof Leonard A Bradshaw, Vanderbilt University, USA
• Assoc Prof Aydin Farajidavar, New York Institute of Technology, USA
• Prof Gianrico Farrugia, Mayo Clinic, USA
• Prof Jack Rogers, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA

Oceania

• Prof John Furness, University of Melbourne, Australia
• Prof Maggie-Lee Huckabee, University of Canterbury, New Zealand