Maryland Researchers Deploy 800 Smart Underwear Sensors to Map Human Flatulence
Updated
Updated · Gizmodo · Jun 3
Maryland Researchers Deploy 800 Smart Underwear Sensors to Map Human Flatulence
3 articles · Updated · Gizmodo · Jun 3
Summary
University of Maryland researchers led by Brantley Hall built a clip-on underwear sensor that detects hydrogen in flatus, launching the Human Flatus Atlas to measure normal fart patterns objectively.
The device aims to replace self-reporting and invasive rectal tubes by tracking fermentation-linked gas from gut bacteria, while volunteers also log meals to connect diet with microbiome activity.
A pilot study of 19 healthy adults found an average of 32 flatus events a day—about double older estimates—with daily counts ranging from 4 to 59.
Preliminary data from 37 volunteers identified 24 possible lactose-intolerant participants from post-dairy microbiome activity, but only 12 correctly recognized they farted more afterward.
The project started in February with 800 devices, drew about 8,000 sign-ups within weeks, and is targeting roughly 500-participant data this summer as the team explores gut-health and colorectal-cancer applications.