Summary of TOHOKU UNIVERSITY REVEALS SWALLOWABLE THERMOMETER AT SEMICON JAPAN
This article discusses a swallowable thermometer developed by the Nakamura Lab at Tohoku University, unveiled at Semicon Japan 2018. Designed as a cost-effective alternative to BodyCap's e-Celsius Pill, this tablet-sized device measures core body temperature wirelessly as it travels through the digestive tract. Powered by the Lemon Battery Principle using stomach acid, it transmits data every 30 seconds to an external viewer for monitoring biological clocks, ovulation, and heat-related conditions.
Parts used in the Swallowable Thermometer:
- Temperature sensor
- Wireless communication chip
- Customized chip produced using 0.6μm-process CMOS technology
- Capacitor
- Magnesium electrodes
- Platinum electrodes
A lot of people know that temperature is the degree of heat present in a substance. The common way of measuring body temperature is the armpit method where temperature is measured by putting the thermometer under the armpit. However, there are better ways of measuring this temperature. Right now, the most accurate temperature measure is the core or deep body temperature. Normally this method uses temperature gotten from the rectal area. Although it is accurate and efficient, it is not comfortable for most people.
Temperature is very important and valuable during research about “biological clocks; ovulation cycles, heat strokes, and even hypothermia.” Researchers from the Nakamura Lab at Tohoku University have created a swallowable thermometer which is the size of a tablet. The thermometer was unveiled at Semicon Japan 2018. It is similar to BodyCap’s e-Celsius Pill.
Back in 2017, BodyCap won the European CE Mark to release its “swallowable wireless thermometer” called e-Celsius. It has been designed to monitor patients’ core temperature, the e-Celsius Pill looks like a regular drug capsule. As it moves down the digestive tract, it transmits data wirelessly every 30 seconds to an “e-Viewer” that displays the readings and records the temperature during the pill’s journey. Tohoku’s Swallowable thermometer has been designed to do the same thing however; when compared to the e-Celsius pill, it is cheaper. Costs are expected to be less than a dollar while the e-Celsius will cost between $42 to $46.
The thermometer has a diameter of 9.16mm and it works based on the Lemon Battery Principle; it uses magnesium and platinum electrodes to generate electricity because of the acidic environment of the human stomach. It has four components which are: a temperature sensor, a wireless communication chip, a customized chip that was produced using 0.6μm-process CMOS technology and a capacitor.
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- How does the swallowable thermometer generate electricity?
It works based on the Lemon Battery Principle using magnesium and platinum electrodes to generate electricity from the acidic environment of the human stomach. - What is the diameter of the swallowable thermometer?
The thermometer has a diameter of 9.16mm. - Does the device transmit data wirelessly?
Yes, it transmits data wirelessly every 30 seconds to an e-Viewer. - How much does the Tohoku University thermometer cost compared to the e-Celsius Pill?
Costs are expected to be less than a dollar while the e-Celsius pill costs between $42 to $46. - When was the swallowable thermometer unveiled?
It was unveiled at Semicon Japan 2018. - Who created the swallowable thermometer?
Researchers from the Nakamura Lab at Tohoku University created it. - What is the purpose of the e-Viewer?
The e-Viewer displays the readings and records the temperature during the pill's journey. - Can this thermometer measure core body temperature?
Yes, it is designed to monitor patients' core temperature similar to rectal methods but more comfortably.
