UCC computer game helps players learn ‘gut reactions’

AN educational computer game that takes players on a bacteria-blasting journey through the human gut has been developed by University College Cork.

The aim of the Gut Reaction game is to clear the gut of infection by obliterating bad bacteria along the way, and to ‘feed’ off the good bacteria to ensure a steady supply of ammunition.

Players meet cancer cells, organisms like salmonella and campylobacter, the most common cause of food poisoning in humans, and ulcer-causing helicobacter during the game’s five levels.

They can use ‘friendly’ bacteria like bifidobacterium and lactobacilli, to fight gut disorders.

The game, aimed at 11-14 year-olds, was devised by Professor Colin Hill, one of APC’s main investigators, designed by Rory Mullane, a UCC Physics and Multimedia graduate, and was produced by the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC), a UCC research centre that looks at how bacteria in the gut can help keep us healthy.

“The purpose of the game is to show how cool science can be, to demonstrate how the immune system works on our behalf, and to show that good bacteria help to boost our immune systems,” said Dr Catherine Buckley, the APC’s Education and Outreach Manager.

“Above all, it is an educational tool which we hope will be used by schools, as well as children in their own homes.”

The game is available to download for free from the APC’s website at www.microbemagic.com.

APC also runs an educational outreach programme through its schools magazine, MicrobeMagic, and through educational visits to its centre.