Scientists have developed a borate glass nanofiber material that appears to speed healing in initial venous stasis wounds. The cotton candy-like glass nanofibers could eventually slow bleeding, fight bacteria, stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanism, resist scarring, and may never have to be removed in follow-up care. The developers envision the material being used by battlefield medics and emergency medical technicians, as well as by diabetics with hard-to-heal wounds. A recent human clinical trial held in the United States found that out of 12 diabetic patients, eight had repaired skin after using the product, and the other four were also healing. The glass material, developed by the Mo-Sci Corporation in Rolla, Missouri, uses borate instead of a silica-based glass composition, as the researchers believe boron would react to body fluids more quickly than silicate glasses. The team says the next step is to expand human trials. Glass scientist Steve Jung, one of the developers of the new material, said, “We are really hoping the properties of these fibers can help with more extensive wounds, such as burns, and we easily foresee the day when soldiers or EMT workers carry packets of these glass fibers to provide healing protective covers that don’t have to be removed.”