Colour-changing tampons could detect urinary tract infections

By Bárbara Pinho

Tampons and sanitary pads that have been modified to change colour in the presence of some urinary tract infections (UTIs) could help to quickly diagnose such conditions in lower-income countries where access to healthcare is limited – though the current design turns pink, which may not be very useful.

UTIs are incredibly common: worldwide, more than half of adult women have had at least one. The standard way to diagnose a UTI is to collect a urine sample and test it in a lab, but these facilities are often less available in lower-income countries.

Now, Naresh Mani and …