01/28/2026
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed a plant-based chewing gum that can neutralize 95%+ of certain viruses in saliva—just by chewing. 😮
The gum uses a natural protein from lablab beans that traps viruses like flu (H1N1, H3N2) and herpes (HSV-1, HSV-2) right in the mouth, where transmission starts. Lab tests showed major viral reduction with a small amount of gum, released during normal chewing. 🧬
It’s stable at room temperature, meets FDA clinical-grade standards, and could become a simple, low-cost tool for places like schools, dental offices, and public spaces. While more studies are coming, the idea of stopping viruses with gum is pretty impressive. 🚀
🧪📖 Published in Molecular Therapy (2024)