Australian scientists completed a phase one human clinical trial of an ingestible biosensor that measures gas produced by the gut and transmits results to a smartphone, MedDevice Online reports.
Here's what you need to know.
1. The device had higher sensitivity and specificity rates than what current devices in the market.
2. Biocompatible silver oxide batteries power the sensor. It measures different intestinal gases and transmits the measurements to a mobile device through a built-in microprocessor. The sensor has a gas-permeable membrane to prevent the device from dissolving into digestive acid.
3. The sensor is not the only minimally invasive device scientists have created for colon cancer. United Kingdom researchers created a breathalyzer that can detect cancer as well.