Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a wearable “smart underwear” device that continuously tracks flatulence frequency and hydrogen levels—offering a new way to objectively measure gut microbial activity. Designed to replace unreliable self-reporting and impractical methods like rectal tubes, the device demonstrated high sensitivity in detecting metabolic changes following dietary interventions.
What makes this notable isn’t the novelty—it’s the shift toward quantifying symptoms that have historically been subjective and poorly measured. By capturing continuous, real-world data (including during sleep), the device points to a future where GI symptoms like gas and bloating can be tracked with the same rigor as other physiological signals.