Over the years scientists have bombarded us with all kinds of new studies and new research on various topics that affect us in some way, shape, or form. Many of these studies involve health, nature, or nutrition, but some are just simply….unusual.
The University of Maryland has created “smart underwear” to determine how many times on average people “pass gas” in a day. A group of researchers are looking for more participants to wear a small device in their underwear to measure the flatulence of an individual throughout the day. So far, the small amount of research they have done says a person will “break wind” about 32 times a day on average. Some went as high as 59 times while others were as low as 4 times.
Why is this being done? It seems a bit confusing, but essentially it’s to better understand the microbial metabolism of one’s gut and how doctor’s can better treat those who complain of too much intestinal gas. Researchers are hoping to find an answer to the question of “what constitutes too much gas?”
Earlier this month, researchers behind the project decided they wanted to open the study up to more people. Originally they wanted 800 participants but ended up with over 3000 wanting to be part of it to the delight and surprise of the research team. The diets of the volunteers will be studied, along with demographics, to determine why some pass gas more often than others. Scientists are hoping to have some preliminary results released in late winter 2027.
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