| Who knew that those crunchy and delicious little blue | | | | When the body suffers a spinal cord injury, a naturally |
| morsels that everyone seems to like so much could | | | | occurring molecule called adenosine triphosphate |
| possibly be the next "miracle pill." Breaking news | | | | (ATP) is released and rushes to the injured area in |
| suggests that the blue dye which makes those little | | | | effect killing healthy cells in it's path and causing even |
| M&M's so brilliantly colored may also shine as a | | | | greater damage. Through experimentation, when this |
| possible treatment for traumatic spinal cord injuries. In | | | | ATP was oxidized it became able to block the |
| experiments carried out at the University of Rochester | | | | damage in much the same way that clot busters |
| Medical Center involving white rats with severe spinal | | | | operate when they are administered to stroke patients |
| cord injuries, incredible results have prevailed after the | | | | and heart attack patients to reduce the extent of |
| injured rats were injected with a compound called | | | | injury. |
| Brilliant Blue G (BBG). | | | | Sadly, this new information will not be helpful to those |
| The test group of rats were able to walk again (albeit | | | | individuals whose spinal injuries are not new because |
| with a limp) after the administration of this amazing | | | | research suggests that this compound should be |
| compound. The only other noticeable side effect being | | | | administered within the first day of the injury. These |
| that they had turned a blue color. Whether or not the | | | | findings are very preliminary and undoubtedly years of |
| color change and the improved mobility is a temporary | | | | testing and research will have to be conducted before |
| occurrence or a permanent condition remains to be | | | | this treatment would be available for general use. |
| seen. At this time there is cause for jubilation and | | | | Meanwhile it's a great first step towards the reduction |
| hopefulness at prospects "down the road" for people | | | | (if not elimination) of secondary damage that is known |
| with life changing spinal cord injuries. | | | | to accompany spinal cord injuries. Go blue! |