Smart pill helps to study the gas composition in the patient's digestive system

Not only can early diagnosis of users' digestive problems through the fart component but this tiny device can also know when you are about to take "sensitive" action by notifying the smartphone. .

Developed by RMIT University scientists in Australia, the device will provide an additional tool to help physicians clearly understand the digestive status of patients with digestive problems. From there, there is more appropriate treatment. The device is shaped like a capsule, inside with a sensor that detects hydrogen, methane and CO2, and can also transmit data via a wireless connection and a rechargeable battery.

Picture 1 of Smart pill helps to study the gas composition in the patient's digestive system
This device can determine the concentration of gases in both the colon and small intestine.

When used, users will swallow it into the abdomen like a regular pill. At that time, it will send data to your phone every 5 minutes and will work continuously for 25 hours. After slowly moving in the user's digestive system within 24 to 48 hours depending on the diet, this device will be discharged when the user goes to the toilet and leaves.

In animal tests, the researchers had a pig swallow the device into the abdomen to see how tearing off a high-fiber diet would affect the digestive system. The results show that the device can determine the exact location of gas production in the digestive system , allowing scientists to better understand the digestive microbiota and the bacteria that produce it. gas - a byproduct of the digestive system.

Through testing, the researchers stated that the device could determine the concentration of gases in both the colon and the small intestine. Accordingly, a high-fiber diet will produce large amounts of methane while eating less fiber will increase the concentration of hydrogen in the small intestine. This data can help physicians propose a better diet for irritable bowel sufferers, and the effect of the microflora on intestinal problems.

Until now, it was difficult for scientists to study the composition of fart gas because it was impossible to find a way to capture them correctly. In the past, scientists used a catheter with a transplanted tube directly into the digestive system to study the cow's fart ingredient, but for humans it is not feasible. Now with capsules carrying gas sensors in their hands, doctors have an effective tool to understand the operation of the patient's digestive system, which in turn has a more reasonable treatment.