New hope for the paralysed: Breakthrough sees rats with broken backs able to run in just two weeks

Paralysed patients have been given fresh hope after scientists enabled rats with severed spines to run again.

Using a cocktail of drugs and electrical impulses, researchers ‘regrew’ nerves linking the spinal cord to the brain.

After two weeks, the animals were not only able to walk, but climb stairs and run.

Professor Gregoire Courtine said the study revealed the body could recover from some injuries previously thought to cause permanent paralysis.

His team, based in Switzerland, believe human trials could begin next year for patients with spinal injuries thanks to a £7million grant.                 Read Here