Fake "Intestine" May Help Kids Feel Better, Cornell University and University Medical Center Study

A tiny 3-D collagen scaffold could offer relief to children who have lost parts of their intestines. Children with short bowel syndrome (SBS) are unable to absorb food properly and need to have nutrients administered directly into their veins, which can cause catheter infections and potentially fatal liver toxicity. The majority of children with the condition require an intestine transplant—which is limited by a lack of suitable donors and complications from immunosuppressive therapy.