Ingestible thermometer provides accurate temp readings

We have to admit that one of the promised uses of nanotech — ingestible machines that will be able to scrub arteries and repair organs — leaves us a little queasy. It's not that we worry that the little buggers will get all HAL on us and try to ice us from inside. It's just that, well, let's just say that we still remember "Innerspace," and the idea Dennis Quaid zipping around our intestines is enough to make us wary of any mini-med devices. However, we're willing to give the Jonah ingestible thermometer a try. The purple pill-shaped device is about the size of a very large vitamin, and can provide accurate body-temperature readings to a wireless receiver. Yeah, we're still not that keen on swallowing machines. But in this case, it sounds preferable to getting our temperature taken the old-fashioned way.

[Via bookofjoe]

[JK @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Obviously you don't remember "Innerspace" all that well. Martin Short was the guy who was zipped around in, not the guy who did the zipping around.

[christopher wanko @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

At some point in the process, though, you'll be getting your thermometer back the old-fashioned way.

[bend @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

To be annoyingly factual, it was actually Dennis Quaid who was minaturized and zipped around intestines. Martin Short was the victim of the zipping.

[Brian @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Here's something else to ponder. After getting the thermometer back the old fashioned way is it used again on someone else. I don't think I'll be taking one of these "pills" until they can ensure beyond any doubt that they are only used once.

[PJ @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I hear that they are currently testmarketing corn-flavored and peanut-flavored pills.

[Jeff @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

A joke:

What is the difference between an oral and rectal thermometer?









The taste!

[dustymugs @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

pill looks kinda big... could be a suppository.

[Ed Acosta @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Is it reusable?

[Albert @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I know its trivial but I have to tell you. I hate to see my idols in engadget go wrong. It was dennis quaid inside martin short's body in inner space. :0

[DaveH @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Here is the fact I wanted to know:

Battery life is 10 days: normal passage time is 1 to 5 days.

Recovery must be fun.

[Ben @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Err...I would guess it's a disposable pill. Probably only costs a few bucks.

[JacyH @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Speaking from a medical perspective, anything that is swallowed that will not dissolve would increase the chance of bowel perforation. It would certainly be alot easier to take those 5 minute temperatures in the Post Anesthesia Recovery Unit (PACU), which is the Standard of Care for PACU's.