A team of researchers at the University of Maryland has developed innovative “smart underwear” designed to measure flatulence. This new device tracks the hydrogen produced during gas release, providing insights into human digestion. The project, led by microbiologist Brantley Hall, stems from initial frustrations with lab equipment that failed to effectively measure gut gas production.
During early experiments, Hall’s team attempted to use a sensor within an oxygen-free chamber to measure hydrogen levels, but the results were unsatisfactory. In a moment of improvisation, Hall decided to test the sensor by attaching it to his clothing. “We took the sensor out of the chamber, and we were like, ‘Screw it. We’re going to try to measure a fart,’” he recounted. The sensor registered a significant spike, leading to the development of the smart underwear, which features a small hydrogen sensor that attaches to regular underwear.
The findings from initial tests, published in December 2025 in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X, reveal that healthy college-aged volunteers with the sensors averaged 32 fart episodes per day, with a range from four to 59 instances. Notably, the consumption of high-fiber gumdrops notably increased gas production in 36 of 38 participants. Hall aims to expand this research to a broader demographic to establish baseline data on flatulence across different ages and diets.
Currently, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding what constitutes a normal frequency of flatulence. “We know what the normal heart rate is, we know what the normal level of cholesterol is, but if you go to the doctor, they don’t know the normal number of farts,” Hall explained. Previous studies have primarily relied on self-reporting or medical settings, leaving many questions unanswered about daily gas production, particularly at night.
In February 2026, the team launched the Human Flatus Atlas, which invites volunteers to wear the sensors continuously for several days while documenting their food intake via a mobile app. Participants are encouraged to wear the device throughout various activities, and initial feedback suggests that many forget they are even wearing it. The primary limitation identified so far is biking, as the bike seat interferes with the sensor’s placement.
During the pilot study, findings indicated three main profiles among participants. The “zen digesters” produced minimal gas regardless of fiber intake, while “hydrogen hyperproducers” recorded high levels of flatulence. A third category, referred to as “normal people,” is still being defined. To recognize extremes in the study, participants with the highest and lowest gas production will receive 3-D-printed plaques.
The interest in the Atlas project has exceeded expectations, with the initial batch of 800 sensors quickly claimed and over 3,500 individuals expressing interest in participating. Enrollment is temporarily paused as the team works to manufacture additional devices. The research group has also initiated a startup named Ventoscity, aimed at assisting companies producing fiber supplements in understanding the gas produced by their products.
Despite the social stigma surrounding discussions of bodily functions, Hall has found that many people are eager to engage in conversations about flatulence. “You would think that this is a kind of a topic people don’t want to talk about, but almost people want to talk too much to me about it,” he noted. As the study progresses, it aims to shed light on a previously overlooked aspect of human health and digestion.
