In the world of medical research, a team of researchers at the Khan Lab at the Viterbi School of Engineering at the University of Southern California has made a game-changing discovery. They have successfully developed a smart pill with a sensor that can detect diseases early and pinpoint their location in the body. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionize medical examinations and treatments in the future.
The smart pills developed by associate professor Yasser Khan’s team are equipped with a sensor that uses microscopic biosensors to monitor the presence of specific diseases. The biosensors are covered with a gas-selective optical sensor membrane that reacts to ammonia gas, an early indicator of conditions like stomach ulcers, cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome.
To ensure accuracy and safety, the researchers tested the sensor material for corrosion in the intestinal environment. The data collected by the sensor is transmitted to a computer for artificial intelligence analysis, which makes a final diagnosis based on this information.
While human testing has yet to be conducted, the research team hopes that this non-invasive method will not only detect ulcers, inflammation, and stomach cancer but also monitor brain health. By detecting neurotransmitters related to conditions like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, this technology could potentially open up new avenues for treatment and prevention.
This groundbreaking research was recently published in Cell Reports Physical Science, where it was widely hailed as a major advancement in medical science. With further development and testing, this smart pill could become an essential tool for doctors and patients alike in diagnosing and treating diseases early on.
In conclusion, researchers at USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering have created a smart pill with a powerful sensor capable of detecting diseases early and accurately locating their position within the body. This groundbreaking technology has immense potential to revolutionize medical examinations and treatments in years to come.
