Bioelectronic implants to treat spinal cord injuries

The spinal cord is the nexus connecting the brain to the rest of the body. Losing that connection means being unable to walk, sit, or use the bathroom again. However, scientists may have now found a pathway for the body itself to initiate repair processes. Using a small bioelectronic implant, researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a method that allows the brain to partially regain communication with the body. The implant applies an electric field around the injury site, which has been shown to regenerate locomotor function in animal models, specifically rodents. This advance represents a promising step toward improving the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries