Swiss scientists from the Lausanne Science Center have announced their latest discovery. They managed to restore control of the monkey's limbs, which was paralyzed from the waist down. This can be a real breakthrough in treating people who face a similar problem. If this solution can also be implemented in people, it can be very good information for a large group of society.
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The monkeys had their spinal cords severed
Disruption of the spinal cord results in the paralysis of specific parts of the body. If, for example, the spinal cord is damaged, the person cannot control the legs, and problems with controlling other vital functions, such as urinary incontinence, arise. Swiss scientists investigated whether it is possible to restore sensation using electrodes implanted in damaged areas of the spinal cord.
What was the study like?
In addition to the electrodes placed in the spinal cord, implants were also implanted into the brain in places responsible for movement. A wireless transmitter that was supposed to transmit information about electrical impulses was located outside the skull. Brain signals responsible for movement were decoded using a special computer program. They were sent directly to the electrodes in the spine.
A few seconds were enough
As it turned out, it only took a few seconds for the monkey to start moving its legs on its own. After several days of rehabilitation, the animal was able to walk independently. This is a real breakthrough as it is the first time that a primate has been brought back into working order. The experiments so far have been used only in relation to rodents and therefore, despite the partial successes, the results of these studies have not found application in the practice of treating leg paralysis in humans.
A breakthrough in medicine. Scientists warn against enthusiasm
Despite the fact that the results of this latest study proved to be a breakthrough in the treatment of paralysis, scientists warn against too early enthusiasm. As they say, they need at least a decade for this experimental method to be applied to humans. Additional tests are still needed. Currently, Swiss scientists intend to conduct research on eight people suffering from paralysis of the lower limbs. They emphasize that, despite the great similarities between the walking systems of primates and humans, there is a need for additional tests.
Nevertheless, fingers should be kept fingers crossed for the effects of this research. Until now, spinal cord injuries have been considered irreversible in medicine. Thanks to the successes of Swiss scientists, this may soon change.
