Swiss scientists have conducted an experiment in which
paraplegic rats have re-learned to walk, run, and evade
obstacles. The spectacular results followed a physical training
regimen that included electrical and chemical stimulation of the
rats' damaged spinal columns and the use of a "robotic postural
interface". The study, published June 1 in Science, could have
profound implications for paralyzed humans suffering from
similar spinal cord injuries. To conduct the study, the research
team, led by Grégoire Courtine of the Federal Institute of
Technology in Lausanne, took ten rats and severed all the direct
nerve connections to their hind legs, stopping short of severing
the spinal cord. By doing so, the rats became paraplegics, but
were able to retain use of their front legs. The scientists then
worked to "re-awaken" the rats' spinal brain by injecting them
with a solution of cell binding chemicals - a concoction of
neurotransmitters consisting of serotonin, dopamine and
norepinephrine. The chemical solution