Japanese invent self-propelled gut camera

If you have ever had to have your insides checked out by the men in white, you’ll know that it can be somewhat discomforting an experience. The usual is to have a tube inserted through your gut, via the throat or anus, but now there seems to be a less discomforting alternative.

Developed by a team of researchers in Japan(Ryukoku University, Osaka Medical College, and a private-sector firm), this alternative invasive procedure is a capsule that is swallowed and propelled through ones intestines and stomach with the help of a remote control. The fish-shaped capsule known as the ‘Mermaid’,  is 1.7 inches and is electromagnetically powered

Unlike previous capsule-like gut cameras of its kind, (i.e the endoscopy capsule developed by Germans), the Mermaid is maneuverable and remote controlled and can take two images per second following oral or anal  insertion.

According to professor emeritus at Ryukoku University’s Faculty of Science and Technology, the capsule is easily swallowable and should pose no problems of any kind.

 

Image source:  http://news.cnet.com

Ade Ogunlewe

Ade grew up in Lagos where he did all his primary and secondary school education at Grace Children School and Whitesands School respectively. After completing both tiers of education, he left Nigeria at the age of 17 to pursue university education in Canada. He got accepted and is now currently enrolled at McMaster University, Hamilton Ontario, where he is studying Earth and Environmental Science. Being a 90’s kid, technology has been a huge part of Ade’s life, from when he got his first Nintendo Gameboy to his first Personal Computer. Therefore, he is no stranger to the possibilities and vast emergence of information technology in the world. Writing about technological advances and innovations is just one of the many joys Ade receives from life. In his spare time, Ade likes to surf the web, read novels and play soccer. He is an avid lover of sports, soccer especially, and supports Arsenal FC of London England.

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