Scientists at the University of Southern California have developed an innovative AI-powered system to track ingestible devices that monitor disease markers in the gut. This non-invasive technology could revolutionize how individuals monitor their gastrointestinal (GI) tract health at home, eliminating the need for invasive hospital tests.
Key Takeaways
- AI-powered system tracks ingestible devices for monitoring gut health.
- Wearable coil enables real-time, precise location tracking and gas measurement.
- Future tests will focus on refining the device and conducting human trials.
The Technology Behind AI-Powered Pills
The system employs a wearable coil and AI to precisely locate the ingestible device and measure gas concentrations in real time. The wearable coil, which can be concealed under clothing, creates a magnetic field that interacts with sensors embedded in the ingestible pill. AI then analyzes the signals received by the pill, pinpointing its location in the gut within a few millimeters.
Benefits and Applications
This technology offers several advantages:
- Non-Invasive Monitoring: Allows at-risk individuals to monitor their GI tract health at home.
- Precise Gas Sensing: Monitors 3D real-time concentrations of gases like ammonia, a proxy for bacteria linked with ulcers and gastric cancer.
- Versatility: Potential applications beyond measuring GI tract gases, such as identifying inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease and delivering drugs to specific regions.
Testing and Future Plans
Researchers tested the system in various mediums that mimic the GI tract, including a simulated cow intestine and liquids designed to replicate stomach and intestinal fluids. The device successfully pinpointed its location and measured levels of oxygen and ammonia gases.
Next Steps
The team aims to refine the device to make it smaller and more power-efficient. Future tests will involve trials in pigs to study the device’s safety and effectiveness in an organism with human-like biology. Successful outcomes from these trials will pave the way for human clinical trials.
“We are optimistic about the practicality of the system and believe it will soon be applicable for use in humans,” says Yasser Khan, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Southern California.
Conclusion
The development of AI-powered ingestible pills marks a significant advancement in the field of gastrointestinal health monitoring. With further refinement and successful trials, this technology could soon become a practical tool for at-home health monitoring, offering a convenient and non-invasive alternative to traditional methods.
Sources
- AI-Powered Pills Track Gut Health in Real Time – Neuroscience News, Neuroscience News.
