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New Treatment for Arthritis: Leeches

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

Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.