Elastic spinal implant helps rats with paralysis walk: 6 takeaways

Lausanne-based Swiss Federal Institute of Technology researchers developed the “e-dura” implant for paralyzed rates, according to Scientific American.

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Here are six takeaways:

 

1. The “e-dura” implant is designed from elastic silicon rubber. The material mirrors the dura matter encompassing the spinal cord and brain.

 

2. Because it demonstrates similar characteristics, the “e-dura” implant easily moves with the tissues surrounding it.

 

3. The “e-dura” implant has electrodes that provide stimulation for drug therapy.

 

4. The researchers found the “e-dura” implant allowed healthy rats to maneuver across a ladder just as well as the control group of healthy rats with no implant. Those healthy rats with traditional plastic implants tripped.

 

5. The “e-dura” implant allowed paralyzed rats to walk.

 

6. The researchers hope the “e-dura” implant could help spinal cord injury human patients in the future.

 

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