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would it be possible to develop an artificial spinal cord for humans?
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Default would it be possible to develop an artificial spinal cord for humans? - 12-19-2008, 11:38 AM

if the spinal cord is merely a bundle of nerves that carry neurons to and from the brain would it be possible to replicate these nerves to create some sort of artificial spinal cord? i dont know much about biology except what i learn in school, just wondering whether it would be possible to create an artificial cord through stem cell research or simple physics. are nerves similar to electircal wires, could these help? an invention such as this could give millions of people their lives back if they could regain the use of limbs etc. any ideas?
   
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Default 12-25-2008, 12:15 PM

They are workin'on it right now. I suspect they will come up with something with enough funding
   
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Default 12-28-2008, 01:32 AM

God, wouldn't it be nice? But sadly, probably not. The spinal cord is not simply a"bundle of nerves."It's a complex system of nerves and synapses and it cannot be fabricated.I suspect when humans are able to fly (without machines) we will have artificial spinal cords.
   
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Default 12-28-2008, 06:20 AM

Based on the latest advances in stem cell research it will probably one day be possible to produce an (artificially produced) but natural spinal cord, just like it will be possible to produce any kind of organs. The stem cells are the basic cells from which the various specialized cells forming the various organs develop. They are found in the umbilical cord.So we can harvest them after birth without harming the fetus in any way.For PreMed: if as your nick suggest you want to pursue a medical career you would be well advised to read up on the subject, before giving vague incorrect answers.
   
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