Scientists in Sweden and Germany published a paper in Lab on a Chip indicating that electrical stimulation can increase wound healing speed by three times.

Chronic wounds, especially for diabetics and the elderly, are a huge health issue, often leading to amputations if untreated. With diabetes on the rise globally (affecting 1 in 11 adults), this new discovery could be a game-changer.

This breakthrough is based on an established hypothesis: electrical stimulation of damaged skin can promote healing, as skin cells migrate directionally in an electric field. The Asplund team researched how to use this principle to guide cells electrically for faster wound healing. They created a biochip, grew skin cells on it, made tiny wounds, and then applied electrical stimulation. The results? Healing occurred four times faster than without the stimulation.