Silencing natural growth inhibitors may make it possible to regenerate nerves damaged by brain or spinal cord injury, finds a study from Children's Hospital Boston. In a mouse study published in the November 7 issue of Science, researchers temporarily silenced genes that prevent mature neurons from regenerating, and caused them to recover and re-grow vigorously after damage. Because injured neurons cannot regenerate, there is currently no treatment for spinal cord or brain injury, says Zhigang. (source: childrenshospital.org)
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