Tomorrow’s Health: Ingestible sensor, antibiotic use & Mediterranean diet benefits

WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - Antibiotic use has increased since the pandemic and soon you may be able to swallow a diagnostic sensor.

Internal sensor

A tiny ingestible electronic device the size of a multi vitamin may one day help diagnose sleeping disorders and help people at risk of an opioid overdose.

Researchers are developing a sensor that can be swallowed to monitor breathing and heart rates from inside patients.

The capsules eventually pass through the body, but researchers are working on strategies to lengthen the amount of time they remain in the stomach.

Antibiotic use rising

The use of antibiotics is once again on the rise.

European researchers say there was an unprecedented drop of antibiotic use during the COVID pandemic with many people wearing masks and keeping their distance from each other.

But with the lifting of restrictions, infections have risen and so has the use of drugs to treat them.

Mediterranean diet benefits

And a new 12-year study at the University of Barcelona reaffirms that a Mediterranean diet can lower the risk of cognitive decline for seniors.

Researchers found a diet rich in grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables helped older people stay sharp.

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