One small step for neurons, one giant leap for nerve cell repair

October 8, 2009 | Source: PhysOrg.com

Nerve cells will grow and generate synapses with an artificial component, in this case, plastic beads coated with a substance that encourages adhesion and attracts the nerve cells, McGill University researchers have found.

This approach bypasses the need to force nerve cells to artificially grow long distances and eliminates the demand for two neurons to make a synapse.

“We believe that within the next five years we will have a fully functional device that will be able to directly convey natural nerve cell signals from the nerve cell itself to an artificial matrix containing a mini-computer that will communicate wirelessly with target tissues,” said Dr. David Colman, Director of The Neuro and principal investigator in the study.