People with chronic digestive diseases such as Crohn's disease, colitis and colon cancer sometimes have to take large, regular doses of medication (such as steroids) but these can often cause serious side effects for other parts of the body.

This knowledge led Philips Research to design the iPill, a tiny capsule-like device incorporating a tiny microprocessor and wireless transceiver as well as much-needed medicine. A patient swallows the capsule, and the drug is only released when it enters the relevant part of the digestive tract, thus limiting side effects.

The iPill is only at prototype stage so far, but tests look promising.

Via Geekbrief TV.