Fusogenic neurosurgery helps paralyzed pigs walk again, but human trials face significant hurdles

Summary

A new surgical technique called 'fusogenic neurosurgery' has allowed pigs with completely severed spinal cords to walk again, performed by a Russian research team led by Michael Lebenstein-Gumovski at the Sklifosovsky Institute. The procedure involves fusing severed spinal cord ends using a polymer-based approach. While the results are promising, columnist Helen Thomson expresses skepticism about whether the technique will successfully translate to humans, noting the involvement of controversial neurosurgeon Sergio Canavero (known for his head transplant claims). The research may eventually lead to human trials and potentially even full head or brain transplants, though significant hurdles remain.

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Twitter / XFusogenic neurosurgery helps paralyzed pigs walk again, but human trials face significant hurdlesnewscientist.com