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Although it may seem surprising, the idea that electricity can aid in wound healing is not a new concept. In fact, there is an old theory proposing that electrical stimulation can be used to impact the healing of the skin.
Ancient theory saves the day
Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Freiburg drew on an ancient theory to investigate faster wound healing.
Exploring wound healing
According to a press release on their latest breakthrough, the researchers began with the notion that skin cells exhibit electrotaxis, which is a relatively simple concept to grasp.
Skin cells are electrotactic
Asplund stated that "when we applied an electric field to one of the wounds, it healed three times faster compared to the untreated wound."
Wounds closed three times faster
According to a press release on their latest breakthrough, the researchers began with the notion that skin cells exhibit electrotaxis, which is a relatively simple concept to grasp.
A significant discovery
In the context of skin cells, electrotactic refers to their tendency to move in specific directions upon exposure to electric fields. The implication of this observation becomes apparent.
Electrotactic skin
The implications of this breakthrough discovery are significant as it could potentially reduce the risk of death from minor injuries for people who suffer from chronic wound issues.
Real-world ramifications
By employing electric stimulation, the rate of healing can be boosted to a level where skin cells affected by diabetes can closely resemble those of healthy skin cells.
Diabetes wounds could heal faster on electricity
The researchers are currently investigating the interaction between different skin cells during stimulation to better simulate a real wound, and aim to develop a scan that can precisely determine the amount of stimulation needed for individual patients.
More realistic wound testing
Aseplund stated that the discovery of a method to heal wounds up to three times faster could be a game changer for diabetic and elderly people, who often suffer from wounds that won't heal.
could be a game changer