MIT's Tiny Ingestible Sensor Tracks Core Body Temperature Like Never Before

MIT engineers have created a tiny ingestible sensor to track core body temperature. The device is shaped like a small blueberry, measuring just 6 mm across and 4 mm tall. It offers a new way to monitor internal temperature more accurately than traditional methods. Giovanni Traverso, an associate professor at MIT, led the development. He is also a gastroenterologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and an associate member of the Broad Institute. The sensor provides continuous updates from inside the gastrointestinal tract.

Current temperature readings from the mouth or forehead may not reflect true core body heat. Existing ingestible sensors are bulkier and can block the digestive tract. This new design avoids that risk while delivering precise data.

The technology could help detect early signs of infection. It is particularly useful for vulnerable groups, such as those on chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs. The sensor enables constant monitoring of core temperature. This could improve early diagnosis of fevers and infections in high-risk patients. Its small size and safety make it a practical solution for long-term use.