Scientists Identify Neurons Needed to Walk After Paralysis
Scientists Identify Neurons Needed to Walk After Paralysis
Nine people with spinal injuries walked again after electrical stimulation, allowing researchers to pinpoint neurons likely underlying their recovery.
Nine people with spinal injuries walked again after electrical stimulation, allowing researchers to pinpoint neurons likely underlying their recovery.
spinal cord injury
Drug Spurs Neuron Growth in Mice with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Natalia Mesa, PhD | Sep 27, 2022 | 4 min read
A protein duo increases transcription of growth-related genes to enhance axon regeneration and boost plasticity, a study finds—but fails to improve mobility.
Within Hours, Surgical Implant Lets Paralyzed Patients Walk
Dan Robitzski | Feb 8, 2022 | 2 min read
Multiple clinical trial participants who have severe spinal injuries were able to stand, walk, and perform specific activities after just one day of using an implant surgically embedded in their spines.
Exploring Stem Cell Strategies for Spinal Cord Repair
The Scientist Staff | 1 min read
In this webinar, Stephanie Willerth and Nisha Iyer will discuss the latest models that scientists use for testing the potential of endogenous and exogenous stem cell therapies for cell replacement and functional restoration following spinal cord injury.
Image of the Day: Muting Muscle Spasms
Amy Schleunes | Apr 16, 2020 | 1 min read
Nimodipine, a drug used to treat brain hemorrhages, alleviates spasticity in mice after spinal cord injuries.
Neural Stem Cell Transplantation Crawls Toward the Clinic
Ashley P. Taylor | Oct 29, 2019 | 9 min read
Several early-stage clinical trials indicate that implanting patients with the cells is safe. But whether they can alleviate neurological problems remains to be seen.
Translational Research for Neural Implants
The Scientist | 1 min read
John Donoghue and Vasiliki (Vasso) Giagka will discuss the latest bioengineering advances for implantable devices that treat neurological disorders.
Brain-Controlled Exoskeleton Enables Paralyzed Patient to Walk
Emily Makowski | Oct 4, 2019 | 1 min read
The machine cannot be used outside of the lab yet, but the results are promising.
Opinion: Ethical Challenges in Using iPS Cells to Treat Paralysis
John D. Loike and Martin Grumet | Mar 7, 2019 | 3 min read
Uncertainties about the cells’ risk profiles and the potential for hyping unproven therapies mean scientists and the media must tread carefully.
Stem Cell Engineering for Tissue Regeneration
The Scientist | 1 min read
Innovative strategies drive stem cell repair of organ damage.
Japan Approves iPS Cell Therapy Trial for Spinal Cord Injury
Catherine Offord | Feb 18, 2019 | 1 min read
The treatment will be tested in a handful of patients who suffered nerve damage in sports or traffic accidents.
Image of the Day: Spontaneous Regeneration
Carolyn Wilke | Feb 6, 2019 | 1 min read
The eel-like lamprey can return to normal swimming and burrowing after suffering a severed spinal cord twice.
Nerve Stimulation Gives Paralyzed People Ability to Walk
Abby Olena, PhD | Oct 31, 2018 | 4 min read
Precisely timed electrical stimulation and intensive rehabilitation restore some capacity to walk among three men more than four years after their debilitating injuries.
Cell Transplant Trial for Spinal Injury Is Safe
Ruth Williams | Jun 1, 2018 | 3 min read
The first human experiment with neural precursor cells implanted to treat chronic spinal cord injury suggests the procedure is safe, and hints at a small benefit.
Stem Cell Implants Improve Monkeys’ Grip After Spinal Cord Injury
Ashley Yeager | Feb 26, 2018 | 3 min read
Thousands of axons grew from the transplants and connected to damaged primate tissue, the first such demonstration in primates.
Image of the Day: Reunited and It Feels So Good
The Scientist | Jul 28, 2017 | 1 min read
Zebrafish have a remarkable ability to heal their damaged nerve fibers following a spinal injury.
Spinal Cord Injury Researcher Dies
Jef Akst | Feb 22, 2017 | 2 min read
Neuroscientist Geoffrey Raisman pioneered the study of spinal cord injury and the use of cell transplants to repair the damage.
Next Generation: Nanotube Scaffolds Reconnect Spinal Neurons
Ruth Williams | Jul 15, 2016 | 3 min read
A 3-D carbon nanotube mesh enables rat spinal tissue sections to reconnect in culture.
Neuroprosthesis Restores Arm Movement
Tanya Lewis | Apr 13, 2016 | 2 min read
A 24-year-old quadriplegic man regains control of his arm with a neural prosthetic device.
Neural Stem Cells Sprout Long Axons
Jyoti Madhusoodanan | Aug 6, 2014 | 3 min read
Early neurons reprogrammed from human skin cells show unprecedented axonal growth in a rat model of spinal cord injury.