News

A QUADRIPLEGIC man has cycled 250 miles across Kenya using a motorised quad bike — that he steered by using his chin.

Inspirational Andy Walker MBE, who was paralysed in a diving accident in 2006, took on the monstrous trek through Rift Valley to Lake Victoria as part of a charity cycle challenge.

In experiments on rats with spinal cord injuries, the rodents improved their walking ability following treatment.

Researchers have demonstrated a novel method that might regrow nerve cells at the site of spinal injuries.

Researchers from the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s have developed a new antimicrobial coating which can be applied to urinary catheters and other medical devices to significantly reduce pain and lower the risk of infection.

The unique coating has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life for the millions of catheter users worldwide.

Recently researchers discovered an axon guidance protein known as Plexin B2 in the central nervous system (CNS). During the spinal cord injury, this protein plays a significant role in the healing of the wound and neural repair.

The experiment was designed and conducted by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. This study could help the development of the treatments or therapies which target axon guidance pathways for treating the patients of Spinal cord injury more effectively.

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Indiana University School of Medicine report that increasing energy supply within injured spinal cord nerves in mice could help promote axon regrowth and restore some motor functions. The study “Restoring cellular energetics promotes axon regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury,” appears in Cell Metabolism.

Researchers take the guesswork out of exercising effectively

A team of researchers has developed an online platform of tried and true resources to help people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) lead a more active life.

Here are six key updates in the treatment of spinal cord injuries in the past six months:

The Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation at Kessler Foundation opened in East Hanover, N.J., in January. The facility has more than 50 researchers focusing on spinal stimulation research and restoring function in people with paralysis. Gail Forrest, PhD, who specializes in applying electrical stimulation to spinal cord injury research, was appointed director of the center.

Loa Griesbach’s days revolve around family, work, adventure, fashion, blogging — and her ventilator.

Loa Griesbach has an insane collection of designer boots and spike heels.

All are in mint condition.

No scuffs, no worn tread.

As she shares in her blog: “These boots were NOT made for walking.”

Jesse Alberi was out elk hunting 12 years ago when his truck rolled on a hilly dirt road. The accident crushed the cab and left him paralyzed from the waist down.

Later as he lay in a hospital bed facing a future in a wheelchair, Alberi wondered: Who am I if I can’t do the things I used to do?

In rodent studies, method reduced likelihood of further spinal cord trauma while delivering large doses of potentially reparative stem cells; the approach may have utility for multiple neurodegenerative conditions

Writing in the journal Stem Cells Translational Medicine, an international research team, led by physician-scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, describe a new method for delivering neural precursor cells (NSCs) to spinal cord injuries in rats, reducing the risk of further injury and boosting the propagation of potentially reparative cells.