Advancements in Brain Research Gels and Male Contraception

Scientists at the Central China Institute of Technology in Wuhan have developed biodegradable, wireless gel-based sensors that can monitor changes in the brain after head injuries or cancer treatment without the need for invasive surgery. These sensors, made of hydrogel, a soft and flexible material, can be injected under a patient’s skull and can function for up to a month. They measure vital parameters such as temperature, pH, and blood pressure.

Additionally, a gel applied once a day on the arms and shoulders of men has been found to work faster than injections as a contraceptive. This gel, when used over an average of eight weeks, has been shown to lower sperm counts to the level considered effective for contraception. It combines testosterone and a synthetic hormone called Nestorone, with Nestorone speeding up the gel’s action and allowing for lower levels of testosterone to be administered without affecting sex drive or causing other side effects. These findings come from a study conducted by the Contraceptive Development Program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).