Scientists invent “liquid condom”
A team of scientists at the University of Utah have invented a liquid condom that can protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
The amazing device is capable of trapping any microscopic organism that is bigger than 50 nanometers across. That means that besides protecting against the AIDS virus, it can trap the organisms that cause papilloma and herpes as well.
The product is actually a contraceptive gel that is applied to the vagina. As long as the gel is exposed to the normal acidity levels of the human vagina, it remains in liquid form. But when it’s exposed to semen, the gel instantly becomes solid trapping the sperm. So, in effect it protects against pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted diseases.
“We did it to develop technologies that can enable women to protect themselves against HIV without the approval of their partner,” said Patrick Kaiser, leader of the team of scientists developing the product.
The “liquid condom” is currently undergoing lab tests at the university and is still at least three years away from actual clinical tests involving humans. They’re trying to find a way to mix anti-HIV drugs with the gel to improve its effectiveness. The team’s research findings were recently published in New Scientist.
The goal of the project is to development a cheap means of protection for women living in Third World countries.
Thanks to www.telegraph.co.uk for the above quote. For more information on this article please visit their website.