‘Poo Racer’ video game to flush away bowel taboos

A poo racing video game which aims to change attitudes towards defecation and bowel health has been launched by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). A second new game, Gene Quest, has also been created to encourage interest in one of the world's largest genetics studies. Both games have been installed at Centre of the Cell, an innovative science education centre based in QMUL's Blizard Institute in Whitechapel. Poo Racer challenges players to guide their poo vehicle out of the bowel in a healthy time while collecting bacteria points, making prudent food pitstops and avoiding obstacles. The game has been developed to tackle the stigma around poo which can result in bowel patients avoiding doctor appointments and hiding their bowel related symptoms. In some cases these symptoms are indicative of bowel cancer and if reported early enough may prevent disease developing. Carla Brown, Content Developer for Poo Racer, said: "As a nation, we need to change our attitude towards poo.