New ‘bacteria pills’ that detect gut diseases could end colonoscopies

By Stephen Beech

Bacteria "pills" that can detect gut diseases could spell the end of painful colonoscopies, scientists say.

Chinese researchers have developed a new sensor made of tiny microspheres packed with blood-sensing bacteria that detect markers of gastrointestinal disease.

Taken orally, the miniature “pills” also contain magnetic particles that make them easy to collect from stools.

Once excreted from mouse models with colitis, the bacterial sensor detected gastrointestinal bleeding within minutes.

The research team says the bacteria in the sensor could be adapted to detect other gut diseases .

Study co-author Dr. Ying Zhou said: "This technology provides a new paradigm for rapid and non-invasive detection of gastrointestinal diseases."

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