Mātai Medical Research Institute and the Auckland Bioengineering Institute are working on new research to generate complete computerised models of children’s physiology, particularly internal organs. 

Currently, the only modelling data available is incomplete, from overseas, or of adult organs. Researchers hope to develop an idea of what normal physiology for New Zealand children looks like in order to allow for earlier detection of abnormalities.

Arno spoke to Dr Haribalan Kumar of the Auckland Bioengineering Institute to find out more. 

Arno started our interview by asking why complete child physiology models were only now being created.