A bacterium that causes botulism can be used to temporarily banish wrinkles (Asian Wall Street Journal, Nov 9, 1992). While treating a patient with dystonia -- a condition characterised by severe muscle contractions -- researchers at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Centre discovered the patient looked younger after being injected with minute quantities of the toxin extracted from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium.
Explains scientist Mitchell Brin, "The toxin weakens the muscle, making it less effective and so you don't get the wrinkling effect." The treatment, which physicians say is harmless in minute quantities, lasts about six months and costs about $700. Brin, however, cautions it has had limited success on people over 65.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.