Latest spinal cord injury hydrogel research 'gives hope to sufferers'RSS Feed

18 September 2009

Scientists have claimed a new study into natural hydrogels could offer hope to sufferers of spinal cord injuries (SCI).

Staff from St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center along with workers from Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI), have been conducting tests into how biomaterial could provide healing for people with the ailment.

The substance was injected into a part of the back, which was found to lessen scarring and lead to improvements in the structure.

Some $450,000 (£275,776) was ploughed into the initiative by the Arizona Biomedical Research Commission, with the possibility that clinical trials could follow in the future.

Managing director of BNI Mark Preul suggested the research could encourage future studies to look at treatments other than regeneration, which he stated was "highly complicated".

"This project is a synergy of neurosurgeons and bioengineers that attempts repair of the SCI lesion cavity using a tissue-engineering biomaterials approach," the expert remarked.

In related news, John Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka were recently honoured by the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation for their research into stem cells – an area of science which medical professionals have speculated could be used to treat spinal cord injuries.

Serious Law, leading spinal cord injury solicitors ADNFCR-2547-ID-19367286-ADNFCR