This condom may protect you from AIDS

New York: US scientists claim to have developed a molecular condom which may protect women and their unborn or nursing children from AIDS virus.

The liquid formulated by Patrick Kiser and other researchers at University of Utah turns into a gel-like coating when inserted into the vagina.

Then, when exposed to semen, it returns to liquid form and releases an anti-viral drug to attack HIV, according to the online edition of BBC News.

The Utah project is part of a worldwide research effort to develop "microbicides" - drug-delivery systems including gels, rings, sponges or creams to prevent infection by HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

First-generation microbicides now being tested are expected to be available within four years and to be 50-60 percent effective.

However, Kiser said that they lasted only for a short time, meaning they had to be used shortly before sex.

The potential advantage of his technology is that it would be much longer lasting.