Heres something to chew on: antiviral gum.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvanias School of Dental Medicine developed the gum, made from bean powder.
The Penn researchers have been working on antiviral gum for some time now.
Would you chew bean gum to keep your loved ones safe from the flu?© Artem Sokolov via Shutterstock
Several years ago, theydevelopedgum from plant-based material that could effectively trap SARS-CoV-2the cause of covid-19in peoples saliva.
Past research hasshownthat the lablab bean naturally carries a protein that can bind to a wide variety of viruses.
This protein is called Flt3 Receptor Interacting Lectin, or FRIL for short.
The researchers’ graphic detailing the creation of their antiviral gum. © Daniell, et al/Molecular Theory
They also found that the gum could remain stable and safe to chew for at least two years.
There are also currently no vaccines for either throw in of herpes virus.
Theyre also planning to test whether bird feed laced with FRIL can prevent bird flu from spreading among poultry.
Controlling transmission of viruses continues to be a major global challenge.
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No further cases have been detected yet.
