Science
MIT engineers design miniature ingestible sensor for core body temperature tracking
The capsule measures six by four millimeters and uses radio waves to wirelessly transmit precise temperature readings.
The short version
- MIT researchers developed an ingestible temperature sensor measuring six by four millimeters, smaller than existing market alternatives.
- The device utilizes a leakage-current oscillator and backscattering technique to measure internal temperature variations within 0.01 degrees Celsius.
- Potential uses include early infection detection, surgical monitoring, tracking child fevers, and safeguarding individuals in extreme environments.
Key facts
- Engineers at MIT designed an ingestible core temperature sensor measuring six by four millimeters.[MIT Technology Review]
- The sensor includes a circuit on a one-square-millimeter chip and uses a leakage-current oscillator to measure temperature within 0.01 degrees Celsius.[MIT Technology Review]
- The design employs backscattering to reflect ultra-high-frequency radio waves to an external antenna, reducing internal power requirements.[MIT Technology Review]
- Former MIT postdoc Saransh Sharma led the study alongside senior authors Giovanni Traverso and Anantha Chandrakasan.[MIT Technology Review]
What remains uncertain
- The timeline for clinical trials, regulatory approval, and potential commercial availability of the sensor remains unspecified.[MIT Technology Review]
Sources
- Taking your temperature from the insideMIT Technology Review metered