Using smart underwear to measure gas produced by gut bacteria
Employing smart underwear to measure gut microbial hydrogen sulfide production
This study is testing a new type of smart underwear that can safely and continuously measure gas from your gut to help us learn more about how gut bacteria might affect 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-11136680 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a wearable device, referred to as Smart Underwear, that can continuously and non-invasively measure hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas produced by gut bacteria. By analyzing flatus, or gas released from the rectum, the device aims to provide real-time data on gut microbial activity and its potential link to conditions like colorectal cancer and ulcerative colitis. The project seeks to improve measurement techniques that are currently invasive and limited in their ability to capture data over time. The ultimate goal is to enhance our understanding of how gut bacteria influence health through gas production.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with gastrointestinal disorders, particularly those at risk for colorectal cancer or ulcerative colitis.
Not a fit: Patients without gastrointestinal issues or those not producing significant amounts of hydrogen sulfide may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better monitoring and understanding of gut health, potentially aiding in the prevention and management of colorectal cancer and ulcerative colitis.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of wearable technology for health monitoring is growing, this specific approach to measuring gut microbial gas production is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
College Park, United States
- Univ of Maryland, College Park — College Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hall, Andrew Brantley — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Hall, Andrew 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.