Scientists have developed a swallowed capsule incorporated with tiny electronics and millions of genetically engineered living cells that can spot health problems and send alerts from the gut. These capsules were analysed on pigs which estimated the signs of bleeding. The researchers reported that, the capsule can be used to detect signs of ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. This is the latest advancement in growing field of sensors, that can be swallowed to monitor our health. This is the first device to use engineered cells as sensors in swallowed capsule.
They were tested using a harmless strain of E. coli bacteria and the cells were modified with DNA from other bacteria to make them detect blood and get lighten up. Further the electronics play their role, relaying signals to a smartphone. The researchers are now working towards its testing on humans. The capsule…
