Now Josef Penninger of the Austrian Institute of Molecular Biotechnology in Vienna and Min Zhao of the University of Aberdeen, UK, have demonstrated that natural electric fields and currents in tissue play a vital role in orchestrating the wound-healing process by attracting repair cells to damaged areas.

The researchers have also identified the genes that control the process. "We were originally sceptical, but then we realised it was a real effect and looked for the genes responsible," Penninger says. "It's not homeopathy, it's biophysics."

I wonder if further research could lead to a reconciliation of sorts between eastern and western medicine?

[Rad. ]

I'm having anodyne therapy right now, which is intense infrared light therapy. I was suprised to see it listed under homeopathic medicine when my doctor prescibed it. The insurance is paying for it - let's just hope it works! Anodyne has also been shown to speed wound heeling.

NewScientist: To heal a wound, turn up the voltage