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Determined2Heal helps simplify the transition into life with paralysis. We provide information and advice for people with spinal cord injuries, their families and friends, as well as rehabilitative adventures. Get started in the Steps to Recovery Section.

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News and Announcements

China, Neuralink Share Successes with Brain-Computer Interface Human Trials

After decades of arduous research by amazing scientists, the future of spinal cord injury research appears to be moving into the exciting direction of brain-computer interface technology. Both China and the US have announced exciting advancements in human trials utilizing this technology, which is a computer chip implanted into the brain that can read brain signals and send them to various parts in the body. To learn more about the NEO System, the brain-interface technology from China click here. And to learn more about Neuralink and its recent success with a quadriplegic undergoing its very first brain implant surgery, click here

SCI Drug NervGen Gets FDA Fast-Track

NervGen, also known as NVG-291, recently received the FDA’s Fast-Track Designation status to help the drug move quicker through the approval process and human trials have commenced. The researchers behind this drug believe it has the potential to be the first approved treatment to enable neurological recovery. Learn more

Low Cost Epidural Stimulation on the Horizon

Epidural stimulation is the darling of the spinal cord injury research world. The only drawback is that it’s expensive to have a stimulator implanted, which costs approx. $18,000. A new analysis has revealed that external epidural stimulation, which is significantly less expensive, can return leg function as long as three electrodes are used in a specific configuration. Learn more

Advanced Epidural Stimulation Helps Paraplegic Walk Naturally

Gert-Jan Oskam, 40, paralyzed at age 28 in a cycling accident, is walking post-injury thanks to a new method of spinal cord stimulation. Building on an already existing treatment, this new method of spinal cord simulation gives the recipient more control over the movement, resulting in a more natural gait. Learn more

Mature Neurons Grown by Scientists

Thanks to the discovery of “dancing molecules” last year at Northwestern University, researchers for the first time have been able to take pluripotent stem cells and turn them into mature neuron cells (with enhanced signaling capabilities) that could one day be transplanted into the spinal cords of people with spinal cord injuries. Learn more

Five People to Take Part in 3D Nerve Bridge Trial

The Perry Cross Foundation and Griffith University in Australia are gearing up for exciting things in spinal cord injury research in 2023. They’re currently searching for five individuals with chronic spinal cord injuries to take part in their groundbreaking trial utilizing a 3D nerve bridge, which will includes the patient’s own stem cells added to the bridge to encourage nerve growth. The participants will undergo intensive rehabilitation as well, including FES, for 16 weeks. Learn more

Swiss Researchers Pinpoint Neurons Responsible for Walking

Researchers now know exactly why electrical stimulation therapy works on people with complete spinal cord injuries thanks to a machine learning algorithm. It was able to identify the exact neurons responsible for leg movement and other movement initiated from the electrical stimulation. Researchers hope to utilize this knowledge to help people gain even more return after their injuries. Read more

Scientists Discover Molecule That Activates Regrowth of Nerve Axons

Researchers at Imperial College London announced they discovered a molecule, TTK21, that has the ability to promote regrowth of neurons in injured spinal cords (in mice). Given an injection of the molecule on a weekly basis, not only did neuronal regrowth occur, there was an increase in synapses which are needed for neuronal transmission. This marks the first time scientists have discovered such a molecule that has this highly sought-after ability. The mice in this study however did not regain the ability to walk. Researchers plan to continue researching TTK21 with the goal of boosting it’s effects. Learn more

Cancer Drug Regenerates Nerves in Mice

Researchers in the UK have discovered that a new drug created to treat cancer by making tumors more sensitive to radiation also has the ability to promote nerve regeneration in mice. In their research, lab mice were given an oral dose of the drug, AZD1390, which promoted the nerve growth. The drug also stopped a biological response in the human body, the ATM protein kinase pathway, that prevents nerve recovery. Learn more

Respiratory Muscle Activation in People with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

At the University of Louisville, researchers are utilizing their activity-based therapy, which has been helping people regain function via electro simulation for years, to specifically help high-level quadriplegics breathe again without ventilator assistance. See the latest on this research here.

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