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Regenerated Nerve Cells Let Rats Walk Again
SteamyMobile writes "Paralysis by spinal cord injuries through accidents must be one of the most horrible life-altering experiences imaginable, often affecting young, active people, and so far there has been no effective treatment of it. Researchers at the Miami School of Medicine have found a therapy involving regenerating nerve cells to cross the gap in the spinal cord. 70% of rats could walk again after the therapy. Hopefully this could benefit Christopher Reeves and thousands of others who have had their lives changed so much by spinal injuries."
A rat can carry around a kilo when it is healthy. I would assume that these 70% rehabilitated lab rats can carry 700 grams. Assuming Chris has lost some weight since the fall and he now weighs 70 kilos, it will only take the combined effort of 100 of these rats for him to walk again!
Throw in one 'super rat' that tells the other rats what to do, and Segway has some serious competition...
This is far different from the stem cell research sung about. This is taking healthy Schwann cells from peripheral nerves which regrow which can be taken from the same animal. I don't see how there is really any ethical problem here.
Yet another signature that refers to itself. The irony and humor is dead.