A new wearable device is giving researchers a clearer picture of gut health by tracking a function that has long been difficult to measure. Scientists at the University of Maryland developed “smart underwear” equipped with sensors that detect hydrogen gas produced by gut microbes, allowing continuous monitoring of intestinal activity throughout the day and night.
Early findings suggest people may pass gas far more frequently than previously estimated, with participants averaging about 32 events per day. Researchers say earlier estimates likely fell short due to reliance on self-reporting and limited testing methods, which often missed activity during sleep or depended on imperfect recall.
Beyond the novelty, the technology offers a new way to study the microbiome in real time, helping researchers better understand how gut bacteria respond to diet and other factors. A larger initiative, the Human Flatus Atlas, aims to establish baseline patterns of gut activity, which could provide insights into digestive health and how microbial function varies between individuals.
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Science Daily, March 14, 2026