No, this ain't another one of those April Fools' Day pranks.

A professor in Dubai has created a prototype of the UAE Space Gum, a chewing gum designed for space travellers.

Dr Franziska Apprich, an assistant professor at Canadian University Dubai, is working with a colleague at New York University Abu Dhabi on the project, set against the backdrop of UAE’s plans to build the first city on Mars by 2117.

The prototype of the new product contains natural gum, silver particles, date paste, honey and vitamin C — all wrapped up in a shimmering star-shaped silver package.

It is entirely UAE-produced and focuses on providing health and nutritional benefits

Dr Apprich said: “Chewing gum can help to relieve tension, which may be an issue for those taking a voyage into the unknown. It can also help to maintain oral hygiene, which is a practical concern for space travellers.”

She added: “The gum is all-natural, so that no harmful additives are absorbed into the system. The vitamin C provides support to the immune system in what will be an unknown environment, and the silver is used to treat bacteria in the mouth to prevent gum disease.

"Honey delivers an energy boost, while the date paste provides flavour, and of course, a tribute to the culture of the UAE

Balanced, ready meals for astronauts

At last year’s Gulfood Innovation Hub, Dr Apprich pitched her idea for space food — nutritionally balanced, easy-to-prepare meals used by astronauts — to help solve the nation’s growing obesity problem.

At this year’s conference, she met with leading UAE suppliers with a view to launch Space Gum in the emirates.

Having already made a bid to showcase the product at Expo 2020, the next step for Dr Apprich is to work with UAE ministries and its space agency to bring the project to production stage.

source : gulfnews