Researchers at the University of Maryland are pioneering a new method for objectively measuring human flatulence, dubbed the “Human Flatus Atlas.” The project utilizes biosensors, integrated into wearable “Smart Underwear,” to track intestinal gas production around the clock. This is a departure from previous studies which relied on self-reporting, an unreliable method given people often misremember or underestimate their gas output—especially while asleep.
The device itself is small, measuring 26 × 29 × 9 millimeters, though researchers concede wearing it under tight clothing might be uncomfortable. Initial studies reveal that healthy adults produce an average of 32 farts per day, significantly higher than previous estimates. However, individual flatulence rates vary widely, ranging from four to 59 daily emissions.
The data collected will contribute to the Human Flatus Atlas, an ongoing project inviting participants to track their gas production at flatus.info. Individuals can discover if they are a “Hydrogen Hyperproducer,” a “Zen Digester,” or somewhere in between. The research team has even founded VentosCity to commercialize the technology, hinting at a subscription-based app for “gut health.”
The study highlights a gap in scientific understanding of a fundamental biological process. Until now, flatulence has lacked the consistent measurement standards applied to biomarkers like blood glucose. This new approach promises a more precise and data-driven understanding of human digestive habits.
Beyond the scientific implications, the project raises questions about the limits of data collection and the potential for commercial exploitation of even the most private bodily functions. The team has warned that the sensors might not survive substantial emissions, recalling an extreme case of a man who visited a French hospital after inserting an unexploded shell into his bottom.
The future of gut health may be coming soon, but whether it arrives with a monthly subscription remains to be seen.
