New Atlas

Medical Audio available

Bioengineered spinal discs show promise – in goats

Ben Coxworth November 22, 2018

As the shock-absorbing cartilage discs between our vertebrae degenerate due to aging, accidents or overuse, severe back pain can result. While some scientists have developed purely synthetic replacement discs, a recent test on goats indicates that bioengineered discs may be a better way to go.

One of the goat-size eDAPS, prior to implantation

Medical Audio available

More paralyzed patients walk again using breakthrough spinal stimulation therapy

Rich Haridy September 24, 2018

A new study describes progress in a groundbreaking technique that is helping paraplegic patients walk again. The experimental process, involving electrically stimulating the spinal cord, is proving increasingly promising as research works to improve the design of the treatment.

Kelly Thomas (center) walks independently after success with the new groundbreaking treatment

Medical

3D-printed nerve stem cells could help patch up spinal cord injuries

Michael Irving August 10, 2018

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have designed a silicone device, covered in 3D-printed neuronal stem cells, that can be implanted into a spinal injury. There it grows new connections between remaining nerves to let patients regain some motor control.

A 3D-printed device, loaded with neuronal stem cells, that can be implanted into an injured spinal ...

Medical

Promising gene therapy repairs spinal cord injury in rats

Rich Haridy June 17, 2018

A team of researchers has successfully regenerated spinal tissue in rat models. Using a common antibiotic as the on/off switch, the therapy breaks down scar tissue and allows new nerve cells to grow, resulting in rats with spinal injuries relearning complex hand movements.

Growth of scar tissue in a rat spinal cord after traumatic injury – the new gene ...

Medical

Spinal zaps return hand movement to paralyzed subjects

Darren Quick April 26, 2018

Six people suffering varying degrees of paralysis have now regained the use of their hands and fingers after participating in a UCLA-led study of a nonsurgical, noninvasive spinal stimulation technique.

A new non-invasive spinal stimulation technique has given paralyzed subjects the ability to do everyday tasks, ...

Medical

Handheld "wand" to speed up spinal surgery

James Holloway April 26, 2018

Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a handheld "wand" optical tracking system which it says makes back surgery faster, safer and cheaper. Described as "a Google Maps for the body," the system provides real-time 3-dimensional tracking to help guide the surgeon as they operate.

The stereovision system can be used to show where the surgeon needs to apply tools and ...

Medical

Human stem cells get paraplegic rats moving again

Ben Coxworth November 20, 2017

There are some paraplegic rats that are now able to walk again, or that are at least coming close to doing so, and it's thanks to human stem cells. The cells essentially helped bridge a gap that scientists had introduced in the animals' spinal cords.

The treatment only works on rats, for now

Science

Geckos could teach people a thing or two – about regrowing spinal cords

Ben Coxworth November 3, 2017

Like many lizards, geckos can detach their tail in order to evade a predator, then regrow it complete with the spinal cord. Now, a scientist has discovered how they go about doing it. His findings could lead to improved treatment of spinal cord injuries in humans.

Geckos don't just regrow their tails, but also the spinal cord within

Medical

Electric spinal stimulation helps paraplegic man regain control of legs

Rich Haridy April 4, 2017

An innovative combination of electrical spinal stimulation and physical therapy has allowed 26-year-old Jered Chinnock to intentionally move his legs for the first time in three years, after an accident left him paralyzed.

An electrode implanted just below a spinal cord injury has allowed a patient to intentionally regain ...

Medical

Slanted electrode implant restores movement to paralyzed limbs

David Szondy November 23, 2016

Researchers at OSU are working on a way to restore movement to paralyzed patients by means of tiny arrays of implantable electrodes. The team has demonstrated the electrodes' potential in a cat, which provides hope not only for those with spinal cord injuries, but also people with prosthetic limbs.

Two examples of the Utah Slant Electrode Array that could help restore movement to those suffering ...