[quote]Scientists have found a way to reconnect severed spinal cords in rats, allowing them to regain bladder control--a major accomplishment that could one day help humans with similar nervous system injuries recover lost abilities.
The spinal cord is the root of all bodily nerves, with an intimate, direct connection to the brain; together, they comprise the central nervous system. Severe injuries to the spinal cord are drastic and were long presumed to be irreparable. In many cases they result in a loss of bodily functions and permanent paralysis.
The intriguing thing is that the spinal cord actually attempts to repair itself. Yet due to several factors which are still not entirely understood, natural regeneration stops shortly after it begins. Over the last 30 years, scientists have worked to chemically encourage regrowth. Two chemicals, chondroitinase and FGF, show strong signs of doing exactly that--in rats, at least. Independently, over the past three decades, each chemical has shown some promise in restoring simple but crucial rat motor processes, like breathing, even with entirely severed spinal cords.
Two surgeons in the field figured that a combination of the chemicals might enhance the regrowth even more. The surgeons, from Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic, began by entirely severing the spinal cords of 15 rats to ensure no independent, natural regrowth. That shut off the rats' bladder control (a nervous system process that is especially important in rats, since they urinate often and to mark their territory). The researchers then injected the two growth-stimulating chemicals into both sides of the severance, and reinforced the gap in the cord with steel wiring and surgical thread.[/quote]
[url]http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-06/regrowing-rats-severed-spinal-cords[/url]
Rats get the best healthcare....
I have a good friend who would be very happy if this works for humans too.
I wish scientists would lengthen the lifespan of the domestic rat.
Three years is bullshit.
[QUOTE=Moustacheman;41206048]I wish scientists would lengthen the lifespan of the domestic rat.
Three years is bullshit.[/QUOTE]
Did you even bother to think what would happen if one of these lifespan enhanced rats become wild?
A friend of mine suffered a bout with cancer about a decade ago and has since been left with severely impaired motor functions. Scientists will someday be able to help him, and others like him, regain the ability to run and jump. Articles like these always brighten up my day.
-snip-
[QUOTE=SubbyV-2;41206317]Did you even bother to think what would happen if one of these lifespan enhanced rats become wild?[/QUOTE]
It would probably just do what it does every night. Try to take over the world.
I think one of the most weird things in this article is the fact that a scientist had to sit down, grab his gloves and scalpel, and then break the backs of 15 rats.
[QUOTE=The Aussie;41209215]I think one of the most weird things in this article is the fact that a scientist had to sit down, grab his gloves and scalpel, and then break the backs of 15 rats.[/QUOTE]
"It's alright, Algernon. We'll grow you a new one. I promise."
As good as it sounds thinking about the poor rats makes me sad.
they 'must' be used and they're used for everything else, just makes me sad it has to be done
they've done nothing :(
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