Artificial 'Human Stomach' May Provide Animal AlternativeA machine which works as an accurate working model of a human stomach has been developed by researchers at the Institute of Food Research in Norwich. The Dynamic Gastric Model mimics key processes taking place in the stomach, including the complex biochemical conditions and gastric forces. The scientists developed the machine to help them study human digestion. The machine, which took more than 10 years to build, will also be used to test medicines in the digestive system. Makers hope the tool will act as an ethical alternative to animal testing in the pharmaceutical industry. "Everyone thinks of the stomach as just a bag full of fluids and enzymes, but it's a very complicated organ and this machine replicates those complexities exactly," said Martin Stocks, spokesman for Plant Biosciences Ltd which is marketing the product. More at BBC News | 
