Farts could help science, researchers explore.

Scientists are studying intestinal gases as a window into the gut microbiome using rectal gas-collection devices and a swallowable sensor capsule, and early tests show these methods can detect gas types and where fermentation occurs in the colon.

Scientists are investigating whether intestinal gases can provide a noninvasive window into the gut microbiome. NPR's Short Wave discussed reporting by Claire Ainsworth about research that treats gases from the digestive tract as biological signals. Gut microbes produce gases during fermentation that can influence immune responses, blood vessels and gut function. Two experimental approaches — a rectal gas-collection device and a swallowable sensor capsule — are being tested to measure those gases and their location in the gut. Key details: - Gases found in the gut include oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, methane and trace volatile compounds such as hydrogen sulfide. - A Spanish research team used a rectal tube with a sealing plug and collection bag and analyzed samples by gas chromatography; in a small study with five volunteers they could distinguish gas profiles after different meals. - An ingestible sensor capsule developed by Atmo Biosciences can detect hydrogen and carbon dioxide, infer low-oxygen regions, record temperature, transmit data wirelessly, and indicate where fermentation is occurring along the digestive tract. - These methods are experimental; the capsule is not commercially available and requires further testing and regulatory review. Summary: Researchers hope gas measurements will offer a less invasive way to monitor the gut microbiome and its response to diet, which could help researchers better understand functional gut disorders. Early experiments showed measurable differences in gas composition after specific meals and that a swallowed capsule can map fermentation location. Further research and regulatory evaluation are required before either approach is used in routine clinical practice.