Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have created a miniature ingestible sensor that can record the body temperature from the inside of the human body and report in real-time continuously. Scientists claim that this invention may help physicians to improve their practices and identify any problems with health in advance.

The size of the new sensor is equivalent to the size of a small blueberry and it is one of the smallest ingestible sensors available now. In comparison with other similar sensors which can be hard to swallow due to large size, the new product is safer, more comfortable and easier to use by the patient. According to scientists' words, a regular thermometer used orally or on the forehead or in the ear does not always show the true temperature of a person.

Due to the fact that the new ingestible sensor measures temperature inside of the digestive system, it can show more accurate results. After the sensor was swallowed, it sends the data of the temperature once per second to the outside receiver of the device.

Thus, doctors can control the state of the patient in the real time without constantly measuring his or her temperature. According to the researchers, the device can prove especially effective for use with postoperative patients, cancer patients, and people with compromised immune systems, as they are more susceptible to infections.

Moreover, the invention will allow monitoring patients' condition during anesthesia, checking their fertility based on changes in body temperature, as well as protecting athletes, soldiers, or workers exposed to extreme temperatures. The device has already been successfully tested on animals; besides, it was able to deliver precise temperature readings despite the movement of the test subject.

Impressed with these results, the research group is currently investigating possibilities of integrating additional features into the gadget, such as heart rate monitoring and others. Scientists are expecting to launch the clinical trials of the invention in a few years.

Provided that the new technology proves successful, it might become a great replacement for ordinary thermometers and an effective instrument in the hands of healthcare professionals.

Such innovations as these are expected to contribute to the development of the healthcare sector, making it more accurate and efficient and thus allowing doctors and patients to cope with various health problems both in hospital and in the comfort of home.