Scientists at the University of Cambridge claim to have a made a potential breakthrough in the treatment of spinal injuries.
Hopes for spinal injury treatment
A research team, led by Prof. James Fawcett, has identified a bacteria enzyme called chondroitinase which is capable of digesting molecules within scar tissue to allow some nerve fibres to regrow. The enzyme is also claimed to promote nerve plasticity and the hypothesis is that remaining undamaged nerve fibres may be encouraged to make new connections that could bypass the damaged area. Trials are yet to begin on patients.
