Tiny spinal implant revives nerves in rats, hints at paralysis cure

Researchers at the University of Auckland have developed a tiny, ultra-thin spinal implant that delivers controlled electrical currents directly to the injury site in rats, successfully restoring movement and sensation after spinal cord injury. This implant works by reactivating natural electric fields that guide nerve growth and healing, a process crucial during early nervous system development but dormant in adults. Over a 12-week study, rats receiving daily electrical stimulation showed significant improvements in motor function and sensory response without inflammation or damage, highlighting both the treatment’s efficacy and safety. The study, published in Nature Communications and conducted in collaboration with Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology, offers promising proof of concept that electrical stimulation could aid recovery from spinal cord injuries, which currently have no effective cure. Unlike humans, rats have some natural recovery ability, allowing researchers to compare outcomes with and without the implant. The next research phase will focus on optimizing stimulation parameters such as strength, frequency, and duration to refine the therapy for potential human application. Ultimately, this technology