An HIV-Blocking Gel for Women

Scientists developed a new kind of **"molecular condom"** to protect women from AIDS in Africa and other impoverished areas. Before sex, women would insert a vaginal gel that turns semisolid in the presence of semen, trapping **AIDS** virus particles in a microscopic mesh so they can't infect vaginal cells. "The first step in the complicated process of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection in a woman is the virus diffusing from semen to **vaginal tissue**. We want to stop that first step," says Patrick Kiser, an associate professor of bioengineering at the University of Utah's College of Engineering. "We have created the first vaginal gel designed to prevent movement of the AIDS virus. This is unique. There's nothing like it." More "unews.utah.edu":[ http://www.unews.utah.edu/p/?r=062909-2]

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