Nano Surgery

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a surgical suturing technique that uses a green light laser and a light activated dye (Rose Bengal) which, in effect, knits collagen.  Surgeons paint both sides of an incision with the dye and then shine a cool laser upon the tissue.  Free radicals (electrons) exchange and cross link the bond.  The incision heals in minutes, with less scarring, and the tightness of the bond minimizes opportunistic infections.  This procedure is now in human clinical trials and a company has been formed to commercialize it, pending FDA approval.   MORE

Image Credit: Porter Gifford and Technology Review