Three-dimensional reconstructions of magnetic resonance images of the rat gastrointestinal tract, from the stomach (top) through the small intestines (duodenum, jejunum and caecum).

Credit: Thomas Neuberger and Andrew G. Webb , Huck Institute Magnetic Resonance Centre, Pennsylvania State University

Members of the Gut Group, from left to right, are: Jim Brasseur, Amit Ailiani, Yanxing Wang, and Gino Banco (not shown are Andrew Webb, Nadine Smith and Thomas Neuberger).

Credit: James G. Brasseur, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University

Computer simulation of the coupling between the transport of nutrients in the small intestine by muscle-induced macroscale eddying generated, microscale nutrient mixing by moving villi, and uptake at the epithelium, using a multiscale lattice-Boltzmann numerical algorithm. The inset shows the coupled macro-micro coupled lattice.

Credit: Yanxing Wang, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University

Computer simulation of nutrient transport and mixing in the jejunum with a complex mix of peristaltic and segmental wall motions (motility), using the lattice-Boltzmann numerical method.

Credit: Gino G. Banco, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University