MIT material stops bleeding in seconds

[razors edge]

http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2006/hemostasis.html

MIT unveils new treatment for wounds

Anne Trafton, News Office
October 10, 2006

MIT and Hong Kong University researchers have shown that some simple biodegradable liquids can stop bleeding in wounded rodents within seconds, a development that could significantly impact medicine.

When the liquid, composed of protein fragments called peptides, is applied to open wounds, the peptides self-assemble into a nanoscale protective barrier gel that seals the wound and halts bleeding. Once the injury heals, the nontoxic gel is broken down into molecules that cells can use as building blocks for tissue repair.

"We have found a way to stop bleeding, in less than 15 seconds, that could revolutionize bleeding control," said Rutledge Ellis-Behnke, research scientist in the MIT Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences.

This study, which will appear in the online edition of the journal Nanomedicine on Oct. 10, marks the first time that nanotechnology has been used to achieve complete hemostasis, the process of halting bleeding from a damaged blood vessel.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

1. so does a red hot iron poker.

In fact, for centuries, fires were kept going near battles simply to cauterize and stop the blood.

I guess this does it without the heat, huh?

[Warpy]

5. Without the heat, without the pain

(which often led to shock and killed the patient) and without the scarring.

Sounds like a winner to me.

[Ian David]

2. Promising... but I'm a little concerned....

The Andromeda Strain

The Andromeda Strain is a science-fiction novel by author Michael Crichton about a team of scientists who investigate a deadly disease of extraterrestrial origin which causes rapid, fatal clotting of the blood. This book was the novel which established Crichton as a bestselling author.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Andromeda_Strain

[BootinUp]

4. We think alike

I need to get a copy of that movie, haven't seen it in a while.

[razors edge]

6. No clotting involved

[Horse with no Name]

3. This is a good thing

and can be used effectively at the scene in traumatic amputations as well as in the battlefield.
This is something that will save lives that before were unsavable in the field.

[razors edge]

7. Lets hope Johnson&Johnson doesn't

lobby a ban, to keep band aids afloat.