’Gut is our second brain’

Our intestines are oh so important, but in science they get the short end of the stick. Microbiologist Koen Venema is doing research with artificial intestines. "They are the key to your health." Venema has been working for 25 years with machines that mimic digestion in humans and animals. First at TNO, then at the university. ,,With these machines I can continuously scrutinize the intestinal flora. The intestines play an important role in our body. They digest and process food, maintain the immune system.