Pill measures gut gas

Swallowable tool may eventually help reveal digestive problems

gas-sensing capsule

CAPPED  This 3.5-by-1.2-centimeter capsule can be swallowed to measure gut gases and send its findings to a smartphone. Researchers in Australia tested the device in pigs fed different amounts of fiber.

K. Kalantar-zadeh et al/Gastroenterology 2016

Gas concentrations in the gut can reveal secrets about digestive tract health, and may be skewed in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.