A team of researchers from Harvard University and MIT have developed an artificial vocal cord gel, which can help people regain their lost speech. The gel is especially for the people who had scar in their vocal cords.

The artificial gel is commonly known as polyethylene glycol (PEG), functions like the original vocal cords did. The artificial vocal cords are injected in the vocal cords of person; it facilitates speech, by imitating the elasticity in the cords and helping maintain the vibration in the cords while speaking.

The researchers were successful in developing such a mechanism because they treated vocal cords as a mechanical issue and not a physiological problem. Instead of treating the scars on the vocal cords, they developed a pair of artificial cords that can be fitted into the cords of a human. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) was authorized by the FDA, not only for this purpose, but it was useful in many other purposes.

However, the researchers were going to commence trial on humans after developing a more qualitative artificial pair of vocal cords. They were expecting to experiment the device in 10 patients in the coming year. The project is financed by the Institute of Laryngology and Voice Restoration, which consists of patients who aimed to support and fund research and education in treating and restoring voice.