Researchers at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL, USA; www.northwestern.edu) examining the use of electrical stimulation therapy to close stubborn wounds in diabetics have developed a first-of-its-kind small, flexible,stretchable bandage that accelerates healing by delivering electrotherapy directly to the wound site. 

Injuries are known to disrupt the body's normal electrical signals. By applying electricalstimulation, the body's normal signals can be restored, thus attracting new cells to migrate to the wound bed. 

The bandage also actively monitors the healing process and then dissolves harmlessly - electrodes and all - into the body after it is not needed. 

In an animal study, the new bandage healed diabetic ulcers 30% faster than in mice without the bandage.

lmage: First transient electronic bandage speeds healing by 30% (Photocourtesy of Northwestern University)