In a groundbreaking medical innovation, scientists at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a light-emitting capsule that can be swallowed to stimulate neurons in the stomach and intestines, offering a non-surgical solution for digestive and metabolic disorders.

The capsule, called icops (Controlled and Digestible Optogenetic Stimulation), uses controlled optical stimulation to activate light-sensitive neurons inside the digestive tract with remarkable precision.

According to Dr. Khalil Ramadi, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at NYU Abu Dhabi, the technology allows researchers to map and study gut neural functions more accurately than ever before.

Made of inert resin with a porous, sponge-like surface, the capsule can collect microbial samples as it naturally moves through the body. It operates wirelessly without a battery using magnetic induction from an external transmitter.
Dr. Mohamed El Sherif, co-author of the study, explained that the capsule was designed using 3D printing, providing a safe and controllable way to explore the gut’s inner workings.

This scientific breakthrough amusingly recalls the glowing “suppository” scene from Ahmed Helmy’s film Wahed Tani, but this time, the innovation aims to restore gut balance—not just enthusiasm.