Fluorescent peptides 'make nerves glow during surgery'
Monday 7th February 2011
Fluorescent peptides could be used to help hard-to-see peripheral nerves glow, making it easier for surgeons to avoid nerve damage during surgery.
Findings published in journal Nature Biotechnology indicate that using injectable fluorescent peptides could alert surgeons to the nerves before they are encountered.
Nerve preservation can be damaging for surgeons, says the study's corresponding author Quyen Nguyen.
"For example, if the nerves are invaded by a tumour. Or, if surgery is required in the setting of trauma or infection, the affected nerves might not look as they normally would, or their location may be distorted," she explained.
Meanwhile, research published in journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, found that a cosmetic procedure currently used to smooth forehead wrinkles could alleviate migraines.
Scientists followed 69 patients after they had undergone the surgery, which deactivates muscle and nerve trigger points in the forehead, temple, nose and back of neck.
It was found that 60 per cent of patients reported their headaches had improved since the procedure, with 29 per cent claiming their migraines had been completely eliminated.
Written by James Puckle
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