Free Info - Circle 400

Another technology developed for NASA has found an application in an earth-bound task. LEDs designed for commercial plant growth research in space are being studied as treatment for hard-to-heal wounds such as diabetic skin ulcers, serious burns, and severe oral sores that are a side-effect of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Already in trial on human test patients, the near-infrared emissions of these LEDs seem to boost energy to the affected cells and accelerate healing. To treat patients with mouth ulcerations, researchers assembled a 3.5- by 4.5-in. array of LEDs on the top surface of a box. A nurse practitioner places the LEDs on the outside of the cheek, giving the afflicted area a one-minute exposure per day. The red light penetrates to the inside of the mouth, where it not only promotes wound healing but also seems to prevent further sores from forming. As one oncologist explains, "Preventing oral mucositis improves the patients' ability to eat and drink, and may also reduce the risk of infections in patients with compromised immune systems". Treating patients with LED lamps came as a result of research to replace laser probes used in conjunction with photodynamic drugs that are used in brain tumor surgeries--the LEDs were lighter and had less elaborate cooling, electrical and optical requirements. Circle 400 - NASA Marshall Flight Center, or connect directly to their website at http://www.OneRS.net/104df-400