Patrick Kiser, University of Utah (IMAGE)
Caption
University of Utah bioengineer Patrick Kiser analyzes polymers used to develop a new kind of AIDS-preventing vaginal gel for eventual use by women in Africa and other impoverished areas. The newly invented gel would be inserted a few hours before sex. During intercourse, polymers -- long, chain-like molecules -- within the gel become "crosslinked," forming a microscopic mesh that, in lab experiments, physically trapped HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) particles. That would prevent them from reaching and infecting vaginal cells.
Credit
University of Utah.
Usage Restrictions
None
License
Licensed content