Summary
Researchers from Germany have designed a molecular sensor that could be integrated into chewing gum to help detect the flu before symptoms appear. This sensor releases a thyme-flavored compound called thymol when it encounters the flu virus, which allows people to taste the presence of the virus. The goal is to provide an easy and early method of detecting flu infections without needing unpleasant nasal or throat swabs.
Key Facts
- Scientists have developed a sensor that can be used with chewing gum to detect the influenza virus early.
- The sensor releases a thyme-like flavor when it detects neuraminidase, a flu virus enzyme.
- Currently, flu tests use nasal or throat swabs, which can be uncomfortable and costly.
- The sensor was tested in lab conditions and released thyme flavor within 30 minutes when exposed to flu virus in saliva samples.
- Initial tests showed no harmful effects on human or mouse cells.
- The researchers plan to create an app to track user-reported taste results, which could help predict flu outbreaks.
- Future clinical trials aim to confirm the sensor’s effectiveness in detecting flu in pre- and post-symptomatic stages.
