Source: United Press International
Posted: April 26, 2006
An advancement in stem cell technology has enabled rats with spinal-cord injuries to walk again within two weeks, and could help people with traumatic spinal-cord injuries. Rats that were given immature immune system support cells, or astrocytes, experienced a 40-percent rise in nerve-fiber growth at the site of the injury in just eight days.
Scientists hope the new technology can be used to repair central nervous system injuries in people in the future, as well as other neurogenerative diseases.
Commentary: This is a significant breakthrough that hopefully will provide research will new strategies for using stem cells to treat spinal cord injuries in humans.
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