Genuine Healing Lights Coming Soon

[Sabre]

Article

In Star Trek, Dr. McCoy whips out a gadget to instantly close wounds, without touching the patient. Research funded by the US Air Force may make part of this sci-fi staple a reality in the near future.

The process involves applying a light-absorbent pink dye (called "Rose Bengal") around the wound, then shining a green light on the area. The light excites electrons, encouraging chemical bonds between the protein molecules in the skin. Eventually the molecules start linking up across opposite sides of the wound, creating seals on the cellular level.

The researchers, working in the Massachusetts General Hospital, are currently testing the procedure's effectiveness against traditional stitching. Patients who'd normally require stitching after minor medical procedures serve as the guinea pigs. The healing light methodology promises many advantages over the old-school approach: the so-called "nanosutures" created by the light are water-tight, produce less scarring, and don't damage healthy tissue like puncturing skin with a needle does.

While the Air Force wants to use the technology on the battlefield, the system has potential civilian uses as well. According to Dr. Irene Kochevar, a dermatology professor at Harvard representing the research team, the healing light can heal severed nerves and blood vessels. A perfect solution to "when you [accidentally] run a knife through your hand".

Wow, just wow...

[Mr Kleen]

that's cool and all but the Star Trek technology I want are the teleporters so I can beam myself to work from a zip code with affordable housing.

[Sabre]

that's cool and all but the Star Trek technology I want are the teleporters so I can beam myself to work from a zip code with affordable housing.

I'd live on top of a mountain in WY/CO/UT/Canada if this ever came true!

[TRANS4M]

that's cool and all but the Star Trek technology I want are the teleporters so I can beam myself to work from a zip code with affordable housing.

The same thought came to my mind.

[Cereb Daithi]

Very cool!


Once this becomes widely available it makes me wonder about how our bodies will react. Not to the light but to the lack of necessity to scab and clot on surface wounds. Granted this is thinking way down the road but... food for thought nonetheless.

[complacent]

while i love the idea of better healing, i'd still rather have the teleportation thingy instead. (also)