'Smart' Condoms Developed by Teenagers! Detect STIs Through Changes in Color

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A group of young teenagers from the UK have created 'smart' condoms that change colors as it detects different kinds of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

The 'S.T.EYE' is loaded up with an indicator that allows it to change colors as it comes in contact with different bacterial strains from common STIs such as Chlamydia and Syphilis. These condoms were invented by young school boys, Muaz Nawaz, Daanyaal Ali, and Chirag Shah from London's Isaac Newton Academy, according to E Online.

According to Ali, the condom was meant to make people more aware of STIs and be more willing to seek treatment. He says: "We created the S.T.EYE as a new way for STI detection to help the future of the next generation."

"We wanted to make something that make detecting harmful STIs safer than ever before, so that people can take immediate action in the privacy of their own homes without the invasive procedures at the doctors," Ali told the Independent. "We've made sure we're able to give peace of mind to users and make sure people can be even more responsible than ever before."

The boys' 'S.T.EYE' invention also claimed the top spot in the best health innovation category at the TeenTech Awards. According to Buzzfeed, the boys won £1,000 and a trip to Buckingham Palace where they will receive their reward.

However, the color-changing condoms are still at the conceptual stage as there are still issues that need to be ironed out before they are widely available in the market, according to The Daily Dot. Some unanswered issues about the condoms include lack of proper education about STI, its transmission and the stigma around it. It is also unclear if the condom changes color based on the just the wearer, just the recipient or both.

The TeenTech Awards is a competition for young innovators ages 11 to 16 years across the UK. According to their website, they promote science, engineering and technology in schools with the aim to create "technology to make life better, simpler or easier.

"We encourage students to take their ideas out of the classroom by putting them face-to-face with industry professionals, helping to open their eyes to the real potential of their ideas," said Maggie Philbin, founder and CEO of TeenTech.

According to Buzzfeed, other top entries at the prestigious TeenTech awards this year include shoes that can charge mobile devices and a hair clip with Wi-Fi that follows the color of your outfit.