Well, the organic camp aren’t going to be too fond of this find as blue M&M’s might actually reduce back injury damage. According to a new CNN report, the blue dye found in M&M’s & Gatorade (BBG) could prevent worsening back injuries and possibly pave the way to spinal recovery.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that when they injected the compound Brilliant Blue G (BBG) into rats suffering spinal cord injuries, the rodents were able to walk again, albeit with a limp. The only side effect was that the treated mice temporarily turned blue.
Nedergaard said the research team isn’t claiming that BBG can cure spinal injuries, instead that it offers a potential improvement in patients’ condition.
“Even a moderate improvement in functional performance of the patient is a big, big event for these patients,” she said. “They can control their bladder. If they can just take small steps instead of sitting in a wheelchair all the time, it’s a tremendous benefit for these patients,” she added. The dose must be administered immediately after the injury, before additional tissue dies as a result of the initial injury.
All I’m concerned with at this moment is that hopefully you won’t end up as a Dr. Manhattan after the treatment. Quite the random story today, but it’s at least better news than a confirmation of Mountain Dew’s yellow 5 story.
Source: CNN Health – Same Blue Dye in M&Ms Linked to Reducing Spine Injury