VIDEO: Scientists Help Paralysed Dogs Walk Again

In an incredible study that will over hope to paralysed human patients, scientists from Cambridge University have enabled paralysed dogs to walk again by using stem cells. 

This video shows Jasper the dachshund’s progression on the treatment, after scientists bridged breaks in his spinal cord using stem cells from his nose. 

Speaking to the Cambridge News, Professor Robin Franklin, director of research at the department of veterinary medicine, said: "Our findings are extremely exciting because they show for the first time that transplanting these types of cell into a severely damaged spinal cord can bring about significant improvement." 

In all, 34 pet dogs with spinal cord injuries who had been unable to use their back legs were studied.

Professor Franklin warned people not to expect too much though, saying; "We’re confident that the technique might be able to restore at least a small amount of movement in human patients with spinal cord injuries, but that’s a long way from saying they might be able to regain all lost function". 

Still, the research is hugely encouraging, and Jasper is looking great!