Bioelectronic implants to treat spinal cord injuries

The spinal cord ensures the connection between the brain and the rest of the body. Losing this connection means no longer being able to walk, sit, or use the toilet. However, researchers may have identified a new approach that allows the body to partially repair itself. Using a small bioelectronic implant, researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a method for the brain to re-establish some communication with the body. The implant generates an electric field around the injury site, which has demonstrated a regeneration of locomotor function in animal models, including rodents. This advance is a promising step toward improving the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries