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Chilean biologist develops possible Zika-repellent clothes detergent

With an unusual mixture of organic ingredients that "were not in its plans," the Chilean company Grupo Avance says it has discovered an innovative formula that acts as a repellent of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, carrier of the Zika virus, dengue fever and other diseases. "We got to this by merging several projects - we were never looking for a solution for the Zika virus. We had graphene, copper powder, lactone and we put them all together. That's all," Grupo Avance general manager and biochemist said. The inventor says this is a "bioadditive" that, when mixed with normal detergent, provides protective clothing for people who live in or travel to areas affected by the carrier mosquito. The Grupo Avance laboratory, located in the industrial area on Santiago's north side, bears little resemblance to an important research complex, and its scientists don't even wear gloves or safety glasses.

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