Spinal cord repair restores independent breathing {in mice} (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By James Gallagher
Health reporter, BBC News

The ability to breathe has been restored to mice with spinal cord injuries, in what US researchers describe as a medical first.

Some patients with damaged spinal cords need ventilators as they are unable to breathe on their own.

A report in the journal Nature showed a nerve graft, coupled with a protein, could restore breathing.

Human trials could begin soon, which the charity Spinal Research said could be "potentially life-changing".

Damage at the top of the spinal cord, around the neck, can interrupt messages to the diaphragm - a layer of muscle involved in breathing.
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14139204

[LeftishBrit]

1. Let's hope this leads to a breakthrough!