CNN is reporting that researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that injecting the compound Brilliant Blue G (BBG) into rats with spinal cord injuries enabled them to walk again.
BBG is found in blue M&M's and Gatorade.
Researchers have known since 2004 that BBG thwarts the function of "the death receptor", a molecule called P2X7, which is present in the spinal chord. P2X7 allows a nucleotide called ATP to latch onto motor neurons and kill them.
Rats given BBG immediately after their injury could walk again with a limp. Those that didn't receive a dose never regained their mobility.
The only side effect of the rats that got BBG? They turned blue.
Researchers say it could be several years before their findings lead to a practical application for BBG in humans.
Scroll down to leave comments.
...you might also enjoy these:
- Legal marijuana farm in jeopardy
- Man bites into condom in French onion soup
- Weird Facts 101: Greatest hoaxes of all time
- 'Obama of Russia' runs for office
- Taco Bell Chihuahua dead at 15
- Frogs get married in India>Frogs get married in India
- Camel-milk chocolate coming to US
- Real-life 'Underpants Gnome' steals over 1,000 pairs of underwear, launders them
Comments
Should be cord, not chord, in the headline. It is correct in the first sentence.
I speak for all cordates!
If I had a spinal cord injury, I wonder what I would choose, being blue, or not walking...I don't know. Could I handle being the "Fat, blue chick" for the rest of my life? Funny visual, though.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!