Normally, medical tape has two layers -- a non-sticky backing and the sticky part. The new tape adds another layer of sticky adhesive. It remains on the skin after the tape is removed. Jeff Karp says this adhesive can be easily removed with talcum powder.

“What we found is that if you have a continuous layer of adhesive that’s left -- as is, you know, done with our system -- when you just push on this adhesive it can easily roll off the skin and it’d be much less painful and, and much quicker to remove.”

The new, softer adhesive tape was designed for newborns. But the researchers say it will also help much older patients, whose thin, weak skin can tear.

The new tape is made from materials already widely used. Doctor Karp believes it will receive government approval, and be available soon to hospitals and medical centers.

The researchers have requested patent rights to the tape. They are also asking health officials for permission to test it on adults.

A report on the development of the painless medical tape was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. We have placed a link to a summary of the report on our website, voaspecialenglish.com.

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