Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Regenerating Nerves: A polymer studded with chemicals that resemble a common neurotransmitter can stimulate the growth of neurons.

Source: Technology Review
Date: January 2, 2008

Summary:

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology announced that they have triggered the regrowth of nerve cells using a polymer coated with chemical structures that resemble acetylcholine, a common neurotransmitter. The research, which is the first to combine a neurotransmitter and a polymer, could one day lead to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and spinal-cord injuries.