Device Allows Paralyzed Rats To Walk, Human Trials Scheduled Next Summer

Posted by samzenpus on Wednesday September 24, 2014 @04:30PM from the walking-again dept.

An anonymous reader writes "A new technique pioneered by scientists working on project NEUWalk at the Swiss Federal Institute for Technology (EPFL) have figured out a way to reactivate the severed spinal cords of fully paralyzed rats, allowing them to walk again via remote control. Human trials are scheduled for next summer. "We have complete control of the rat's hind legs," EPFL neuroscientist Grégoire Courtine said. "The rat has no voluntary control of its limbs, but the severed spinal cord can be reactivated and stimulated to perform natural walking. We can control in real-time how the rat moves forward and how high it lifts its legs."

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humans walk like rats? by Noah+Haders · 2014-09-24 16:50 · Score: 4, Funny

I don't see how this can be practical to have a device so humans can walk like rats.
1. Re:humans walk like rats? by camperdave · 2014-09-24 17:54 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  I don't see how this can be practical to have a device so humans can walk like rats.
  To be fair, they're starting with lawyers first.
  
  --
  When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
Re:Poor rats by K.+S.+Kyosuke · 2014-09-24 23:16 · Score: 3, Funny

I go out of my way to find products that weren't tested on animals. And yes, I am a vegetarian.
You only eat plants that haven't been tested on animals?

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Ezekiel 23:20