Eli the donkey provides another example from the animal world of the success of adult stem cells. On May 13, 2010 Eli was attacked by a stablemate twice his size. The trauma led to swelling of his spinal cord, and rapid progression of weakness in his front end and hindquarters. The veterinarians treating Eli also got the opinion of Dr. Mike Kistler of Cortez, Colorado, a senior member of the American Society of Neuroradiology with more than 25 years of experience in human spinal trauma. Continue Reading »

Study says sensory input can be added to brain-machine interfaces

Brain-machine interfaces — devices that let users control electronics with their minds — have long enabled paralyzed individuals to perform everyday tasks such as sending e-mails and playing video games. But the problem with such interfaces is that they tend to lack the feeling of movement that typically goes along with these activities. Continue Reading »