(Unrelated photo by Hey Paul Studios)
Some men eschew wearing condoms during intercourse because the plastic barrier reduces the sensitivity of the penile skin. Dr. Shengxi Chen, a biochemist at Arizona State University, thinks that he's found a solution to that problem. His condom mimics the reaction of water to human skin. USA Today explains:
Most condoms repel water. That's the opposite of human skin, which loves and contains a lot of water, making condoms feel unnatural, Chen said.
Chen added materials to latex to create condoms that are eight times more water-loving than natural latex condoms, as well as stronger and more flexible, according to his tests.
It feels smoother and softer, and it's proven under a microscope: Water flows into the material as opposed to sitting in a ball on top, and the texture appears smoother than most condoms, he said.
Chen is currently seeking FDA approval to test his condom on humans.
-via Glenn Reynolds
Wonder what he's been testing them on up to now. Lab mice?