Color-Changing Condom Detects Pathogens Causing Sexually Transmitted Infections

Three high school teenagers Muaz Nawaz, Daanyaal Ali and Chirag Shah, from the Isaac Newton Academy in London have devised a condom that changes color when it comes in to contact with sexually transmitted infections (STI) like chlamydia and herpes.

"S.T.EYE." the color-changing condom won the first place in the health innovation category at the TeenTech Awards. Molecules are built in to the rubber that attach to specific bacteria and viruses, which cause STIs. Depending on the pathogens detected the molecules glow in a rainbow of colours.

A yellow glow indicates the wearer probably has herpes, blue signals syphilis and if the condom turns green its chlamydia, which may be present.

"We've made sure we're able to give peace of mind to users and make sure people can be even more responsible than ever before," said 14-year-old Ali.

The design is just a concept but it could soon become a tangible product as they have been approached by a condom manufacturer, "impressed by their determination to tackle a sensitive issue", said TeenTech.

Source: Medindia