Rats Recovering From Spinal Cord Injuries: A DeSci Breakthrough?
The decentralized science (DeSci) project, HydraDAO, has announced a groundbreaking claim: their researchers have successfully repaired severed spines in rats, allowing them to walk again. The news, shared on May 5th via an X post, details the Dowell spinal fusogens project, led by Michael Lebenstein-Gumovski, which received funding from HydraDAO. This project employs a novel compound, neuro-PEG, derived from polyethylene glycol and chitosan, to reconnect severed nerve fibers in the spinal cord.
Promises of Recovery and Commercialization
The project is not just about scientific discovery. HydraDAO‘s proposal outlines potential commercialization of their technology, envisioning revenue streams generated from specialized surgical kits, training, and certification for neurosurgeons. This raises questions about the balance between scientific exploration and potential financial gains.
The Dowell Team’s History: A Link to Head Transplant Research
Michael Lebenstein-Gumovski, the lead researcher, has a background in neurosurgery, having worked on Sergio Canavero’s controversial head transplant project. While this connection sparks curiosity, it also raises concerns about potential bias. Canavero’s claims of a successful head transplant on a monkey in 2016 and plans for a human transplant in 2017 were widely criticized by the scientific community as lacking credible evidence. Despite the connection to this controversial work, the Dowell team’s research draws upon established scientific principles and should not be dismissed outright. However, independent verification and further research are critical to determine its validity.
Fusogens: A Promising Avenue, But Not Without Precedents
The use of fusogens like neuro-PEG to reconnect severed nerve fibers is not entirely novel. While the Dowell team’s approach incorporates unique elements, other research teams have explored similar techniques in the past. Notably, a 2019 study at the University of Texas achieved partial recovery in rats using PEG-based solutions. The potential of this approach is undeniable, but the Dowell team’s claims require further investigation and confirmation.
Caution and Further Research Needed
HydraDAO‘s announcement has generated excitement, offering hope for those with spinal cord injuries. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution and skepticism. While the results are promising, the lack of independent verification and potential conflicts of interest require further scrutiny. HydraDAO has promised additional experiments to further assess the effectiveness of their technique. These experiments, along with independent replication by other research teams, will play a crucial role in determining the true potential of neuro-PEG for spinal cord repair.
