Paralyzed Rats Walk Again After Stem Cell Transplant

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Rats once paralyzed from complete surgical cuts through their spinal cords can walk again after stem cells were transplanted into the site of the injury, report researchers today in the journal Cell. The results suggest that stem cells might work as a treatment for patients even if they have completely severed cords, a potential therapy that has been viewed skeptically by many in the field.

Neural stem cells, derived from aborted fetal spinal cord tissue, were implanted onto each side of the spinal cord injury in the rats along with a supportive matrix and molecular growth factors. The human stem cells grew into the site of injury and extended delicate cellular projections called axons into the rats spinal cord, despite the known growth-inhibiting environment of the injured spinal cord. The rats' own neurons sent axons into the transplanted material and the rats were able to move all joints of their hind legs.

The cells are produced by a Rockville, Maryland company called Neuralstem. The same cells are also being tested in ALS patients (see "New Cells for ALS Patients") where they have shown some promise of stabilizing the progressive disease. Last month, the company announced that it has asked to FDA to approve a trial to test the cells in spinal cord-injured patients.

Researchers are currently testing neural stem cells from a Newark, California-based company called StemCells Inc, in spinal cord injured patients; two of the three patients have reported the recover of some sensation (see "Human Stem Cells Found to Restore Memory" for an overview of the company).

Paralyzed Rats Walk Again After Stem Cell Transplant - Technology Review
 

88m3

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Ha hope they make this into a pill. Could give this to a chick along with a pair of plan b's in the am.
 

Real

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When they gonna make a pill to make my dikk thicker? I want my shyt thick like nacho:takedat:
 

MewTwo

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It's ridiculous how much things we can do with science.

The only thing stopping us is dumbass religion

Fixed.

If I were rich I'd donate alot of money to stem cell research and nanotechnology. Hopefully we can cure cancer, AIDS, and fix paralysis in my life time.
 

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Amazing research and progress, but imagine your job involving crippling rats just to fix them.
 

Orbital-Fetus

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Amazing research and progress, but imagine your job involving crippling rats just to fix them.

yes...imagine how many living things would benefit.
i feel sorry for those rats but in the big picture you have to give it up.
 

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ΘГβĮŦ∆Ŀ ₣℮ŦЏگ;1502233 said:
yes...imagine how many living things would benefit.
i feel sorry for those rats but in the big picture you have to give it up.

I agree and am glad they are doing it. But from a humorous side you start your day cutting rat spines.
 
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