Paraplegic rats REGROW damaged spinal cord and learn to walk again. Humans could be next!

Paraplegic rats REGROW damaged spinal cord and learn to walk again. Humans could be next!

Today we look at the work of researchers from Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Laussanne who were able to regrow damaged spinal cords in rats to allow them to walk again. Humans could be next! These paraplegic rats were given a therapy that consisted of chemical injections and electrical stimulation paired with a robotic device that help support their weight while they received physical therapy for their spine injuries. This technique shows great promise because it not only allows movement by usinfg electrical pulse but it also helps to regrow the motor neurons and spinal cord. It basically rewires the brain and damaged area of the spine so the rats could move without any external stimulus. This research was also performed on 2 non human primates who also saw great results with their neuroprosthetic device and they even grew new connections in their nervous system fater than the rodent did. This research is in a co op human trial as we speak and the neuroprosthetic is showing great promise. I couldn’t find word on how well the paraplegic’s spinal cord was regenerating though. This seems to be a discovery that can really change the future of people with certain spinal injuries.
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SOURCES: https://goo.gl/CZuFZk
Here on ZakDTV I like tho bring the most interesting science news every Monday-Wednesday and Friday. This is the science that will change our lives forever. We will look at futuristic transportation technologies like the HyperLoop, Virgin Galactic, Tesla Motors and anything that hints at the ability to be a teleporter.
I will also bring you advances in robotics from places like Boston Dynamic, iRobot, Hansen Robotics, Darpa and many more. We will see service robots being integrated into our daily lives and we will watch together as that happens.
Of course the future will bring forward amazing cures and advances in gene therapy using tools like crispr/cas9. These genetic modifications will lead to a longer life and possibly even human immortality. That would truly be amazing.
Of course the future wouldn’t be complete without spaceflight. Things like the moon base Nasa wants to make or the ESU and their plans to go to mars. JAXA is providing some great advances as well. We will look at new satellite tech and of course anything cool with the lab in the sky our International Space Station.

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