For the past few years, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have been encouraging scientists from around the world to create a better, more efficient type of condom. The Gates Foundation’s official statement was to create a” next-generation condom that significantly preserves or enhances pleasure, in order to improve uptake and regular use.” Finally, it looks like the goal has been achieved by a biochemist from ASU. According to the article,
‘Shengxi Chen, a biochemist at Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute, has done just that.
Chen, who received a $100,000 Grand Challenges grant from the Gates Foundation in 2014, has created a material that mimics human skin, resulting in a condom that is more comfortable and thus more likely to be used.’
As impressive as this accomplishment is, reading the article describe these condoms as being ‘skin-like’ is more or less reminding me of Buffalo Bill…
In all seriousness, this is an awesome achievement. Hopefully it helps to stall the spread of STD’s as well as un-wanted child births. There are really no downsides with these condoms, and hopefully we get to see them out on the market within the next few years.
[Via ASU Now]