X-Message-Number: 19256
From: "John de Rivaz" <>
Subject: Flash Bulb Gas May Treat Brain Injury 
Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 17:44:43 +0100

Not sure whether this is helpful, but I can't seem much harm done if it
isn't:

 Flash Bulb Gas May Treat Brain Injury

A gas commonly used in camera flash bulbs and strobe lights could prove to
be an effective treatment for stroke or brain injury patients, say British
researchers.

Once nerve cells in the brain die, they cannot be regenerated. But
scientists at Imperial College in London say they've found that the gas,
called xenon, could prevent damaged nerves from dying in the first place,
and could possibly prevent the progression of neurological disorders and
spinal-cord injuries.

The gas appears to stop the brain's receptors from destroying damaged nerve
cells, reports the BBC.

The findings are especially intriguing, say experts, because xenon, a
naturally occurring gas, is known for its lack of toxicity and may therefore
be a safe method for protecting neurons in humans.

The scientists are working with a U.S. company called Air Products and are
planning to test the research in clinical trials.

from Infobeat.

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