Chewing gum may one day help detect the first signs of flu and prevent potential outbreaks.
A team of German scientists has developed sensor-based tests that react to taste and release a thyme-like scent when the virus is detected.
Currently, diagnosing influenza requires a nasal swab or a throat swab, while lateral flow tests are not reliable enough to detect pre-symptomatic cases.
Building on existing technologies, the German researchers have created a simple method that can be used anywhere, at any time.
“The broader population is not using influenza tests much. This involves nasopharyngeal swabs – painful, or at least not pleasant. By contrast, why not chew gum instead? I would expect the chewing gum will substantially lower the hurdle for anyone to test oneself,” said study author Lorenz Meinel, professor and chair of pharmaceutics at the University of Würzburg, in an interview with Newsweek.
“Using the tongue as a 24-hour available detector is new for the detection of influenza infections,” he added.
During trials, the sensor released a thyme scent when it came into contact with vials containing saliva infected with the virus. The research team is now considering developing a mobile app to accompany the technology.
