New class of neuron discovered 'could aid recovery from spinal injury'RSS Feed

A new class of neuron that may lead to further treatments for spinal injury has been discovered by researchers.

Dr Gareth Miles and other researchers at the University of St Andrews discovered the neuron in the spinal cord and predict it could have important implications for spinal cord injury.

Researchers have described the new neuron as a "volume dial" that controls the strength of muscle contractions during walking.

Dr Miles said: "It is hoped that by turning up the 'volume dial' formed by this new class of neurons, it will be possible to stimulate motor neurons to send stronger signals to muscles to overcome the loss of movement associated with injury and disease."

The research has been published in the scientific journal Neuron.

Meanwhile, a pharmaceutical company in America is seeking approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to begin human studies of another treatment for spinal cord injury.

News from Serious Law, specialist spinal injury solicitors.

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