Same blue dye in M&Ms linked to reducing spine injury (CNN)

[eppur_se_muova]

(CNN) -- The same blue food dye found in M&Ms and Gatorade could be used to reduce damage caused by spine injuries, offering a better chance of recovery, according to new research.

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that when they injected the compound Brilliant Blue G (BBG) into rats suffering spinal cord injuries, the rodents were able to walk again, albeit with a limp.

The only side effect was that the treated mice temporarily turned blue.

The results of the study, published in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences," build on research conducted by the same center five years ago.

In August 2004, scientists revealed how Adenosine triphosphate, which is known as ATP and described as the "energy currency of life," surges to the spinal cord soon after injury occurs.

Researchers found that the sudden influx of ATP killed off healthy cells, making the initial injury far worse. But when they injected oxidized ATP into the injury, it was found to block the effect of ATP, allowing the injured rats to recover and walk again.
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more: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/07/28/spinal.injury.blue.dye/index.html

[MADem]

1. Would it turn people blue?

They'd probably want to use Picasso's "Blue Boy" as their clinic logo!!!

[eppur_se_muova]

2. .

[truhavoc]

3. Next thing we know

They'll be selling these mice in pet stores at a premium...

[MADem]

5. Actually, that blue skin/white fur look works for that mouse!

I like it better than the pink skin/red eye thing!

[burning rain]

4. it may turn all america blue, my friend

soon we will build SOCIALISM and blue m & m's will have turned the tide

[damntexdem]

6. So pig out on blue M&Ms.

Easy to see the ramifications of this study. ;-)

[truhavoc]

7. Blue sure hasn't helped the blue dogs

And their lack of spine issues...

[TlalocW]

8. Since 1994 when Blue M&Ms were voted in to replace the Tan ones

I have eaten nothing but those and drunk nothing but Blue Blast Gatorade, and doctors are unable to rate how incredibly strong my spinal column is, borrowing the word, "Adamantium," (the strongest metal in the Marvel universe and the substance lacing Wolverine's skeleton and claws) to describe it.

TlalocW

[trotsky]

9. LOL

:thumbsup: