Mobile phones and computers will soon be able to diagnose sexually transmitted diseases under innovative plans to cut the UK's rising rate of herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhoea among young people.
Doctors and technology experts are developing small devices, similar to pregnancy testing kits, that will tell someone quickly and privately if they have caught an infection through sexual contact.
People who suspect they have been infected will be able to put urine or saliva on to a computer chip about the size of a USB chip, plug it into their phone or computer and receive a diagnosis within minutes, telling them which, if any, sexually transmitted infection (STI) they have. Seven funders, including the Medical Research Council, have put ?4m into developing the technology via a forum called the UK Clinical Research Collaboration.
The good news: This new development may slow the spread of STD's, especially among sexually active and less responsible young people
The bad news: There is a substantial market and a societal need for this technology.
If morality arguments don't do the trick for the kids, science also shows that sexual intimacy is best enjoyed within the confines of a committed, faithful relationship.
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