The gel latches on to the bacteria and glows
A new bandage has been designed to glow when an infection is present, much easier than taking it all off.
The researchers at the University of Sheffield created a gel which contains molecules which latch on to bacteria and switch on a pink fluorescent dye.
Scientists believe that the bandages could be used for the army on battlefields and to help people with chronic disorders like ulcers.
Professor Sheila MacNeil, one of the researchers at the University, said: "If you know you've got an infection it's going to change how you treat your soliders, it's going to change how you're going to treat those patients in the home. We could get to an early-stage clinical trial in two-to-three years."
The bandage shows up with a pink-flourescent glow when passed under a UV light.
The research has been part-funded by the Ministry of Defence.
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