Children and families visiting the Marbles Kids Food Fest in downtown Raleigh recently had the opportunity to experience the digestive system in a whole new way — by becoming food themselves.
With support from the Duke Division of Gastroenterology, Gastronauts Inc., a nonprofit organization founded by Dr. Diego Bohórquez, associate professor of medicine, partnered with the Marbles Kids Museum to create an imaginative and educational booth that transformed the science of gut health into a hands-on obstacle course. The collaboration was led by Dr. Maya Kaelberer, Director of Gastronauts Inc., who helped bring the immersive concept to life. The interactive installation invited children to travel through the human digestive tract, encountering sensory-rich zones representing the stomach, small intestine, and colon.
“Our goal was to help kids and their parents understand how food affects how we feel,” said Naama Reicher, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the Bohórquez Lab and coordinator of the Gastronauts program. “The digestive system is full of fascinating biology, and this was a chance to bring that science directly into the community in a way that was engaging and accessible.”
As participants navigated the exhibit, they experienced simulated digestive sounds, encountered various cell types, and learned about the diverse microbial life that resides in the gut. The booth was staffed by a multidisciplinary group of Duke volunteers — physicians, nurses, administrators, and researchers — who shared their enthusiasm for the GI sciences while guiding children through the journey.
The Gastronauts initiative, launched by the Bohórquez Lab and supported by the Duke University School of Medicine, seeks to explore and explain the complex connections between the gut and brain. Its outreach at the Kids Food Fest reflects a growing commitment among Duke scientists to engage the public and inspire future generations of learners.
To learn more about Gastronauts Inc. and their work at the intersection of gut health, neuroscience, and community education, visit thinkgastronauts.com.