The New York Post reports that chewing gum may stop the transmission of SARS-COV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine using medically crafted gum found that “plant-grown protein” can “trap” the contagious virus.
Henry Daniell, leader of the study, stated:
SARS-CoV-2 replicates in the salivary glands, and we know that when someone who is infected sneezes, coughs or speaks some of that virus can be expelled and reach others.
He also added:
This gum offers an opportunity to neutralize the virus in the saliva, giving us a simple way to possibly cut down on a source of disease transmission.
The study also stated that while masks contribute to protecting others from the virus, it doesn’t stop re-infection.
While masks can prevent transmission to others, they do not protect re-infection of infected individuals,” the authors wrote in the study. “Therefore, chewing gum as a biomaterial offers novel and practical applications during the current pandemic.
Researchers cultivated protein in plants and tried it on infected patients.
To test their gum, researchers cultivated ACE2 proteins in plants — along with other compounds that contribute to successful binding — and infused cinnamon-flavored gum with the material, then tested it on nose swabs of COVID-positive patients.
The study determined that protein neutralized the virus.
Researchers are currently seeking permission to start a clinical trial. If successful, people will be able to chew the gum when taking off masks.
Roomies, what do you think of this?
