Stem Cell Research

New Stem Cell Research

Scientists have recently been granted the opportunity to study stem cell research once again, and they are not disappointing. By using embryonic stem cells, scientists have been able to restore the walking ability in rats with neck injuries. "In January, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration gave Geron Corp. of Menlo Park, Calif., permission to test the UC Irvine treatment in individuals with thoracic spinal cord injuries, which occur below the neck." Although, the test must be done on rats first before human trials can begin. About 52 percent of spinal cord injuries are cervical and 48 percent thoracic. "People with cervical damage often have lost or impaired limb movement and bowel, bladder or sexual function, and currently there's no effective treatment. It's a challenging existence," said Keirstead.

So the first test was run on 100 rats. All of these rats had perfect walking ability before the experiment started. All rats were treated with stem cells. A week after all 100 rats suffered spinal cord injuries, 97% restored walking ability! This is amazing. "The transplant created a healing environment in the spinal cord," said Keirstead. Therefore, the experiment made the rats able to walk again.

I thought this experiment is crazy we just broke rat's necks and now they can walk again. Although, it's nothing short of amazing that it worked. If this test was successful in rats within a week, maybe human testing is on the horizon? I'm sure many people with spinal cord injury's would be willing to take the chance to walk again. I know I would.