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New Robot Glides Through Intestines
TechFreep writes to mention a NewScientist article about a new mucus-riding robot, intended for use in medical examinations of the intestinal tract. The snail-like bot, it is hoped, will be easier on the internal organs of patients than similar robots which use small leg-like structures. From the article: "Dodou is testing a polymer material that clings to proteins found in the mucus that lines the gut. She measured the polymer's sticky properties in the lab using sections of pig gut, and also examined the way the polymer's stickiness can be 'switched off' by spraying it with water. This could allow a robot to move in a manner similar to a snail, which alternately makes itself sticky and slippery by exerting pressure with its body."
Looking at the articles, they don't *seem* to be.. though they are extremely similar.
It's never just a game when you're winning. - George Carlin
From a 28 year old with Crohn's Disease, best of luck to you. I've been through all the tests myself multiple times, and while they're certainly invasive, I find it's important to remember that these are medical professionals simply performing medical procedures to try to help you, so try to keep your spirits up and not let yourself feel overly embarrassed or degraded. Laugh at the situation if you can; at least that gives you some power over it.
I've had more than a few colonoscopies, and while they weren't entirely horrible because I was heavily drugged on Valium, Versed, and Demerol (apparently during one, I slightly came to and announced to the entire room that I loved my gastroenterologist, which obviously I don't - I suspect as the giver of all those medications I viewed her as someone special at the time), I certainly would love this new technology instead.