(CNN) – Researchers at the University of Maryland have invented smart underwear that measures flatulence in hopes of better understanding how often people fart.
The underwear features a snap-in device that tracks intestinal gas production around the clock, according to a press release. The university says the device, which detects hydrogen, is like a glucose monitor but for intestinal gas.
Researchers used the underwear in a 2025 study to determine healthy adults fart an average of 32 times per day, roughly double previous estimates.
It’s hoped the underwear will help scientists better understand gut microbial metabolism and help doctors treat patients who report too much intestinal gas.
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