The NC State University researchers modified maggots genetically and found that these maggots are capable of accelerating the process of wound recovery. The results of this research are great, as it has opened a new door in the medical field for treating incurable human wounds.

The BMC Biotechnology journal published details of this study. The larvae of a green bottle fly, called Lucilia Sericata, was altered biochemically to release a molecule that is said to stimulate cell growth and help the healing of wounds in humans. Yes, it sounds disgusting and wonderful at the same time. Till now, they used the larvae for Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT), where the open wounds have the maggots applied on them. Usually, this therapy is widely used for diabetic patients, whose wounds take a longer time to heal. FDA has approved MDT, however, this kind of treatment lacked proof to show that it speeds up healing time.

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This led to further research on maggots. The research team made a strain of a few maggots to make them secrete a growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) that is derived from human platelets. It contains a molecule that facilitates fast multiplication of cells by sending signals to them when applied on the wounds.

Though this has not been tested on humans, researchers are sure that this is going to work wonders. They have explained the whole procedure followed in getting the maggots to secrete this molecule. They believe that diabetic patients worldwide can be healed faster, helping them get back to normal.

An entomology professor from NC State, Max Scott, said that people who are unable to afford expensive treatments, or those living in low-income countries, also suffer from diabetes. This method can help these people with low-cost treatment of wounds and also save them from the ill-effects of diabetes.