Scientists are developing gum that can help diagnose diseases. This is exactly the sort of thinking that we should be engaged in. The ability to deploy low-cost diagnostic tools into the field that don’t require expensive labs and technicians in order to work.

Think of it. You head over to your local grocery store, pick up an off-the-shelf pack of chewing gum. Chew a piece and take it to the pharmacy counter, where they can put the gum on special paper and determine whether you have a particular disease or not. If not, then you’re good to go. If so, then you can head to the doctor’s office or hospital for further tests and treatment.

Saving money. Saving lives. Freeing up doctor’s offices for more serious patients who have been “pre-screened” using these over-the-counter test techniques.

Now, if they can only get medicine to really taste like wild cherries and bubble gum, I’ll be in heaven.