News Chemistry

Brilliant blue for the spine

Study in rats suggests a dye similar to that found in popsicles and sports drinks may prevent cell death after a spinal cord injury

By Rachel Ehrenberg

- More than 2 years ago

A blue dye found in Gatorade and Rocket Pops could play a protective role in the cellular mayhem that follows spinal cord injury. In rats, a close chemical cousin of the common food dye FD&C Blue No.1