Bowel research breakthrough in Christchurch hospital

Christchurch Hospital has become the first in the world to create contracting muscle bowel cells - taking science a step closer to creating a human small intestine.

The discovery follows two and a half years of research by paediatrician Dr Atsushi Yoshida into into a cure for short bowel syndrome.

His research has been overseen by Professor Spencer Beasley who says it will be particularly beneficial to children born with small intestine abnormalities as well as adults with complications due to Crohn’s disease.

He says the discovery solves the biggest challenge to date – growing muscle that contracts in the same way bowel muscle contracts.