Researchers at Emory University and GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY have developed tiny polymer beads that can slowly release anti-inflammatory drugs and break down into non-toxic components. When injected into rats' hearts after a simulated heart attack, the drug-embedded "microparticles" reduce inflammation and scarring, the researchers found. Injecting the particles could cut the area of scar tissue formed after the heart attack in half and boost the ability of the heart to pump blood by 10 percent weeks later. The results are published online this week and are scheduled for publication in the Oct/Nov issue of Nature Materials.

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