First Stem Cell Study for Spinal Injuries Begin

Recently, the U.S. had approved the controversial issue on stem cell research to start back up again. A U.S. biotech company says it plans to start this summer the world's first study of a treatment based on human stem cells aimed at helping spinal cord injury. They had recently gotten federal permission to inject eight to ten patients within two weeks of their injury, with cells derived from embryonic cells. All of the patients will be paraplegics, who can use their arms but cannot walk. What the doctors are hoping for is signs of improvement, like return of sensation or movement of legs. Whatever the outcome is, the study will mark a new chapter in the controversial history of stem cell research in the United States.