Swiss researchers have cured paralyzed mice. Using gene therapy, they stimulated nerve regrowth across a completely severed spinal cord. The nerves were aligned so that they connected at the appropriate location below the injury site.
With the help of a gene therapy developed by scientists at the NeuroRestore research institute, mice with a complete transverse section of the spinal cord were able to walk again, according to a study whose results were published on Thursday evening in the journal ‘Science’.
They would show similar walking patterns to mice that learned to walk again after an incomplete spinal cord injury, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) announced on Friday.
If the spinal cord of mice and humans is only partially injured, extensive spontaneous recovery of motor functions can occur. However, this is not possible after a complete transection of the spinal cord.
New hope for paralyzed people?
The results raise hope among paralyzed people. According to the scientists, many obstacles still need to be overcome before the gene therapy that has now been tested can be applied to humans.
Source: Krone
I am an experienced and passionate journalist with a strong track record in news website reporting. I specialize in technology coverage, breaking stories on the latest developments and trends from around the world. Working for Today Times Live has given me the opportunity to write thought-provoking pieces that have caught the attention of many readers.
