Farts. Everyone does it. But just how often do people pass gas? And how much is too much?
These questions became the focus of microbiologist Brantley Hall and his team at the University of Maryland in College Park. Their frustration with a lab equipment led them to an unconventional experiment – measuring farts. Hall discovered that the hydrogen sensor they were using to measure gut microbe metabolism worked even better for tracking flatulence.
Inspired by this incident, the team developed “smart underwear” equipped with hydrogen sensors that can track farts. The small sensor, about the size of a quarter, can be attached to regular underwear to monitor hydrogen levels in farts. The team published their findings in the December 2025 issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X.
In a test with healthy college-age volunteers, the researchers found that participants farted an average of 32 times a day. However, the number of farts varied from person to person, with some individuals passing gas as few as four times a day and others as many as 59. Interestingly, consuming high-fiber gumdrops led to an increase in flatulence among the participants.
Hall now aims to expand the study to a larger and more diverse group to determine the typical frequency of farting and how it may be influenced by factors such as age, diet, or other circumstances. The lack of data on normal farting patterns has prompted the team to launch the Human Flatus Atlas to further investigate and establish a baseline for comparison.
The team was surprised by the lack of research on intestinal gas and the absence of data on nighttime farting habits. Traditional methods of measuring flatulence using rectal tubes or self-reporting have limitations, especially when individuals are asleep. This gap in understanding highlights the need for more comprehensive studies on flatulence to fill this knowledge void.
The Human Flatus Atlas project aims to provide valuable insights into the normal range of farting frequency and patterns, shedding light on an often overlooked aspect of human physiology. The Atlas project, led by researchers at the University of Maryland, is calling for volunteers to participate in a unique study that involves wearing sensors in their underwear around the clock. The sensors, which need only a 15-minute charge time while the volunteers shower, are to be worn for a minimum of three days and up to 30 days. Additionally, participants are required to use an app on their phones to photograph their food intake.
According to researcher Brantley Hall, most volunteers do not even feel the device once they have found the right placement for it. In a pilot study, participants were more likely to lose or accidentally wash the device rather than find it uncomfortable and drop out of the study. The sensors are designed to be worn during almost all activities, with the exception of biking as the sensors attach in a location that could be uncomfortable when sitting on a bike seat.
The study aims to categorize participants into three groups based on their flatulence patterns. The “zen digesters” are individuals who rarely pass gas, even when consuming high-fiber foods. On the opposite end of the spectrum are the “hydrogen hyperproducers” who are frequent gas passers. Those falling in between are labeled as “normal people,” although the true normal range is yet to be determined. The participants who produce the most and the least gas will be recognized with 3-D-printed plaques marking their status.
The interest in the Atlas project has been overwhelming, with the initial batch of 800 sensors being quickly claimed and over 3,500 people expressing interest in participating. Enrollment is currently on hold as more devices are being produced, but it is expected to reopen for those on the waiting list and potentially new participants in the future. Additionally, Hall and his colleagues have launched a startup company called Ventoscity to assist fiber supplement manufacturers in addressing flatulence caused by their products.
Despite the taboo nature of discussing bodily functions, Hall notes that people are surprisingly eager to discuss and participate in the study. The excitement surrounding the Atlas project highlights the curiosity and interest in understanding and measuring bodily functions such as flatulence. With ongoing research and advancements in technology, studies like the Atlas project aim to shed light on the complexities of the human body and its functions. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. From the latest smartphones to cutting-edge artificial intelligence, there is no shortage of exciting developments in the tech industry. One area that has seen significant growth in recent years is the field of virtual reality (VR).
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