Time to get scientific: At the University of Chicago, researchers have been taking a close look at the eel-like lamprey, which can fully regenerate its spinal cord even after being severed—within three months the lamprey is swimming, burrowing, and flipping around again as if nothing happened. Recovering from a spinal cord injury as the lamprey does is almost unheard of in humans and other mammals, so the researchers are working on identifying the individual neurons responsible for regenerating the spinal cord. The hope is that the lamprey could lead researchers to design better strategies for treatments aimed at promoting central nervous system regrowth after injury or disease.
How the lamprey could lead to better treatments for spinal cord injuries
More of Today's Solutions
Yangtze River sees major ecological recovery after China’s fishing ban
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM After decades of ecological decline, China’s Yangtze River, Asia’s longest and one of the most degraded waterways in ...
Read More10 brain-boosting hobbies for older adults that help keep the brain and body ...
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Many people yearn for the golden years of retirement, where the grind often slows down, and we have ...
Read MoreNavigating counteroffers: a complete guide to making the right career move
Starting a job search is like stepping onto a carousel of potential opportunities. Once you secure that amazing new job offer, the excitement is palpable. But what if, just ...
Read MoreAre holiday tunes good for your health? Here’s what science says
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Love it or hate it, Christmas music is an inescapable part of the holiday season. For some, it’s ...
Read More
