Smart Underwear to Measure Gut Gas
Employing smart underwear to measure gut microbial hydrogen sulfide production
This project is creating special underwear to help us understand how gut bacteria produce a gas called H2S, which might be linked to conditions like colorectal cancer and Ulcerative Colitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167801 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are developing "smart underwear" that can measure a gas called hydrogen sulfide (H2S) produced by gut bacteria. Current ways to measure this gas are often uncomfortable or don't provide enough information over time. This new wearable device aims to offer a comfortable and continuous way to track H2S levels directly from the body. By understanding these gas levels better, we hope to learn more about their role in conditions like colorectal cancer and Ulcerative Colitis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates might be individuals interested in monitoring their gut health, especially those with or at risk for colorectal cancer or Ulcerative Colitis, who are willing to wear a new device.
Not a fit: Patients not interested in wearing a monitoring device or those whose conditions are unrelated to gut microbial H2S production may not directly benefit from this specific technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could provide a non-invasive, continuous way to monitor gut health, potentially leading to earlier detection or better management strategies for conditions like colorectal cancer and Ulcerative Colitis.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of measuring H2S in flatus is novel, early prototypes of the Smart Underwear have shown promising results in detecting H2S and flatus in both lab settings and when worn by people.
Where this research is happening
College Park, United States
- Univ of Maryland, College Park — College Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hall, a. Brantley — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Hall, a. Brantley
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.