Smart Pills: A New Way to Track Your Meds

A new type of pill could change how people take their medicine. This pill can send a signal when it's swallowed. It's meant for people who need to take their meds on time, like those with serious infections or after surgeries. The pill has a tiny radio antenna made of zinc and cellulose. These materials are safe and break down in the body. Once swallowed, the pill releases the drug and the antenna. The antenna sends a signal to confirm the pill was taken. This happens within 10 minutes. The antenna then breaks down and is absorbed by the body. The radio chip in the pill is very small, about 400 by 400 micrometers. For comparison, a human hair is about 70 micrometers wide. The chip is not biodegradable and will pass through the digestive system.Tests on animals showed the signal can be picked up by a device up to two feet away. In the future, patients might wear a device that receives the signal and sends it to their doctor. This technology could help people who need to take meds for a long time or have trouble remembering to take their pills. However, more research is needed before it's ready for use. Some people might find this idea a bit creepy. It's important to think about privacy and how this technology will be used. But for those who need to take meds regularly, this could be a helpful tool.