The Air Force is funding scientists who are using lasers to seal up wounds at a molecular level.

The process would replace the sutures and staples traditionally used to repair wounded skin. A patient’s wound would be coated in a dye, then exposed to green light for 2-3 minutes. The dye absorbs the light and catalyzes molecular bonds between the tissue’s collagen.

The bonds instantly create a seal that’s watertight, which prevents inflammation or risk of infection, and speeds up the formation of scar tissue.