Blood-to-Gel Period Pads Prevent Leaks Using Seaweed Extract

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"Scientists just solved a 100-year-old period problem using something from your sushi roll."

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"Virginia Tech researchers discovered how to turn menstrual blood into leak-proof gel using alginate powder"

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The average person experiences 1.2 period leaks per cycle - this innovation could eliminate them completely

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Alginate comes from brown seaweed and is already FDA-approved for food and medical use

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When blood contacts the alginate-glycerol powder, calcium ions create an instant gel network

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Dr. Harsimran Kaur's team spent two years perfecting this biodegradable formulation

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The powder includes antimicrobial properties that fight Staphylococcus aureus, reducing toxic shock syndrome risk

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Traditional period products take 500+ years to decompose, while alginate gel biodegrades naturally

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The innovation works in both pads and menstrual cups, creating mess-free removal experiences

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This proof-of-concept could revolutionize period care for 1.9 billion menstruators worldwide

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[{"selector":"#anim-69d97456-3e21-4035-8403-b4ddcf16ec14","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":200,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-fcb2b523-24cb-4c94-9c3b-5cf078cb8f3b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":200,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b5d7b10f-2cbd-4e05-9786-6ad116ef5ce8","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-114.50152%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":200,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4d8aad7e-3865-4be4-acc1-bde33ab382e4","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-bf595595-c4e5-493f-a29b-25e7d50692fd","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(115.2381%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] NHS Deploys 'Trojan Horse' Therapy for 1,500 Blood Cancer Patients Learn more