Scientists have combined cutting-edge methods for mapping cells and molecules with artificial intelligence (AI). This allowed them to study in detail the processes that occur in each cell of the spinal cord after injury. The results of the study, published in the journal Nature, not only pave the way for understanding healing mechanisms, but also lead to the development of effective gene therapy.
The complexity of the spinal cord, which combines mechanical, chemical and electrical functions, has long hindered the development of effective treatments. Traditional imaging methods provided only a general idea of the processes occurring at the cellular level.
Tabulae Paralytica is a set of four interconnected atlases that describe the activity of various spinal cord cells in unprecedented detail. This will allow scientists to develop more targeted treatments.
The first treatment based on new understanding of cellular processes in stroke is gene therapy. The study found that in older animals, a certain type of support cell (astrocyte) loses the ability to respond to injury. Scientists also discovered a group of neurons (Vsx2) that play a key role in healing.
Source: Ferra
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
