Purdue University researchers have designed a simple treatment to reduce the impact of blunt traumas to the brain by mechanically “patching” burst cell membranes.

Brain-injured rats that were injected with polyethylene glycol (PEG) within four hours of the injury had improved behavioral results compared with the control group. The therapy absorbs water, promotes healing of cell membranes, and reduces cellular decay and degeneration. PEG is now being tested on naturally injured dogs, and human trials could start within two years.