CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, is urging Australians to become “citizen scientists” by charting their farts to advance gut health research. Through a quirky new initiative called ‘Chart Your Fart,’ CSIRO hopes to gain insights into the frequency, smell, and loudness of flatulence—a surprisingly common concern for Aussies. According to a 2021 CSIRO study, over 60% of Australians report issues with excessive flatulence, with 43% experiencing it most days.
The community-led research is open to Australians aged 14 and above, who can participate by downloading the free ‘Chart Your Fart’ app and recording their “outputs” over three days. By tracking details like stench, volume, and how long the smell lingers, CSIRO researchers aim to create a picture of what’s “normal” across different demographic groups.
CSIRO Research Dietitian Megan Rebuli says it’s all about understanding how diet and daily habits affect our digestive system. “Passing wind is natural; it shows our digestive system is doing its job in expelling gas from food breakdown,” she explains. “Our diet, how we chew, even medical conditions can impact frequency and smell. By talking about it, we can get a better sense of what’s typical and how different factors play a role.”
This project also highlights CSIRO’s push for public involvement in research. Dr Emily Brindal, CSIRO Behavioural Scientist and Project Lead, believes that community participation adds valuable data and depth to their studies. “Research is only as good as the data we collect,” Dr Brindal says, noting that the aim is to build a bridge between researchers and the public. “We rely on community input to keep our studies relevant, and it’s a chance to have a bit of fun with science along the way.”
With ‘Chart Your Fart,’ CSIRO hopes Australians will embrace the light-hearted call for data, proving that a little humour can go a long way in driving forward meaningful health research.
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