EVANSTON, Ill. --- Scientists at Northwestern
University have designed synthetic molecules that
promote neuron growth, a promising development that
could lead to the reversal of paralysis due to spinal
cord injury.
"We have created new materials that because of their
chemical structure interact with cells of the central
nervous system in ways that may help prevent the
formation of the scar that is often linked to
paralysis after spinal cord injury," said Samuel I.
Stupp, Board of Trustees Professor of Materials
Science and Engineering, Chemistry and Medicine.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-01/nu-sgn012204.php

Another story:

Injectable scaffold aids rebuilding of nerves

19:00 22 January 04 NewScientist.com news service
A liquid that forms a gel-like mass of nanofibres on
contact with water could provide the most promising
vehicle yet for the regeneration of damaged spinal
cords.
Many groups working in regenerative medicine are
trying to develop artificial scaffolds that store or
attract cells and then control their growth and final
identity.

http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994596

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