Graphene Nanoribbons in Spinal Recovery

Researchers at Rice University have caused rats with severed spinal columns to pass electrical signals 24 hours after “reapposition of the two sharply severed cords…re-establishes contact by regrowth.” There was a magic ingredient, however: polyethylene glycolated graphene nanoribbons, which were applied during the apposition. Two weeks later [ Video ], the rat could walk without losing balance, stand up on his hind limbs and use his forelimbs to feed himself with pellets. No recovery was observed in controls.

Christopher Reeves died a little too soon, apparently.

 

Homework:  Kim C, Sikkema WKA, Hwang I, Oh H, Kim UJ, Lee BH, Tour JM. Spinal cord fusion with PEG-GNRs (TexasPEG): Neurophysiological recovery in 24 hours in rats. Surg Neurol Int 13-Sep-2016;7: