• Stumble Upon
  • Reddit
  • Digg
 

New Treatment for Arthritis: Leeches

text sizeAAA
August 26, 2005

Leeches have long been known for their blood-sucking abilities. But two years ago, German scientists discovered that leeches' saliva combat inflammation, too. In October, Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City will become one of the first U.S. hospitals to offer leech therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee. We learn how and why leech therapy works.

Guests:

Woodson Merrell, M.D., executive director, Continuum Center of Health and Healing at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York

George Stefano, Ph.D., director, Neuroscience Research Institute at the State University of New York College at Old Westbury

Related NPR Stories

 
  • Stumble Upon
  • Reddit
  • Digg
 

Podcast and RSS Feeds

PodcastRSS

  • Health
     
  • Talk of the Nation
     
 
 

Comments

Discussions for this story are now closed. Please see the Community FAQ for more information.

 

promo

President Obama is asking Congress to find a way to extend coverage to every American.

podcasts

Your Health Podcast

Your Health Podcast

NPR's health desk explores the world of medicine and health, bringing you the latest news. Visit this podcast's Web site.

Subscribe

NPR On Science Podcast

On Science Podcast

If you missed the latest science, space and environment news, catch up with this podcast. On Science brings you the top stories from NPR's reporters. Visit this podcast's Web site.

Subscribe