Scientists Developing "Glow In The Dark" Surgery Liquid

Future surgery patients may benefit from "glow in the dark" technology. The UK's "Daily Mail" reports that researchers are now developing a fluorescent liquid that causes a patient's nerves to "glow" temporarily. If successful, the liquid will allow surgeons to identify key nerves during procedures - thereby minimizing the risk of damage that can lead to extreme pain or paralysis. Currently, surgeons must rely on their previous experience and electronic monitoring. A team at University of California San Diego is refining the peptide, which contains amino acids that appear to have no side effects. Roger Tsien, a University of California professor of pharmacology says, quote, "The analogy I use is that when construction workers are excavating, they need a map showing where the existing underground electrical cables are actually buried, not just old plans of questionable accuracy."