Would you be open to using lubricant made from the mucus of cattle if you knew it could protect from sexually transmitted infections such as HIV? Well, a group of scientists would want you to consider this possibility as they develop a gel which could help prevent STIs. The products are being tested after which scientists hope they will be made publicly accessible.
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‘Promising’ invention
The research team from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden set out to investigate if mucus could be repurposed to protect the body against STI. This premise is based on the fact that the mucus – found in the nose, throat and oesophagus – contains protective proteins that facilitate the breaking down of germs, forcing them out of the body through coughs and sneezes, DailyMail reports.
More importantly, a protein called mucin which is found in mucus, is believed to have antiviral properties. In the study published in the scientific journal, Advanced Science, the researchers wrote:
The authors believe the gels are promising for further development as personal lubricants that can limit viral transmission
The snotty way
The team explained how they turned mucus collected from the salivary glands of cows, into a mucin-based lubricant. Mucin molecules bind and trap HIV and herpes viruses, leaving them immobilized. The lubricant underwent several viral prophylactic tests against several types of cells, according to Study Finds.
After series of tests, the lubricant showed to be 70% effective against HIV and 80% effective against the herpes virus. The research lead, Hongji Yan is hopeful the lube will be made available to the public once it passes all safety and regulatory tests.
It could offer protection when condom protection is not an available option, or even as back-up protection in case of condom failure or incorrect use. It could be used in both female-to-male sex and male-to-male sex.
Last year, about 3,000 people tested positive for HIV in the UK, with more than 20,000 in England being diagnosed with genital herpes.
Sources used:
Daily Mail:Would you use lube made from COW SNOT? Experts say it could prevent spread of STIs such as HIV and herpes
Natural World News: Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections During Condomless Sex Could be Possible Due Cow Mucus-Based Lube
Study Finds: Herpes, HIV preventable without condom? Lube made from cow mucus shows promise
Read more:
⋙ This 'unknown' STI is more common than gonorrhoea
⋙ Condom panties: Undies that protect against STI during oral sex given go-ahead
⋙ STI: Doctors warn of a spread of ‘extremely drug-resistant’ infection post-pandemic
