Research offers hope on strokes

Scientists have identified a chemical which helps brain cells to "commit suicide" after a stroke. The discovery could lead to new ways of reducing death and disability.

Recently it has been established that only part of the damage that follows a stroke is directly caused by it. Many cells are killed in an auto-destruct process by toxic substances released by the brain.

Researchers at Manchester University have identified a chemical called interleukin-l (IL-1), which plays an important part in the mechanism.