Opis: In Search of the Lost Cord - National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Sciences, Luba Vikhanski

In Search of the Lost Cord is a scientific detective story, the stuff of science fiction en route to science fact. People trapped by the limitation of paralyzed limbs, rendered useless by devastating, catastrophic injuries to their spinal cords, may one day walk again. If the research is successful ...if the scientists hit on the right strategy for approaching the problem, we may yet see miracles happen. In her new book, science journalist Luba Vikhanski profiles the rapidly developing field of spinal cord injury research. She explains the field's greatest scientific challenges and introduces us to the pioneers who are working toward what would be a startling breakthrough. Perhaps the most riveting aspect of this international effort is the fact that each of these scientists is approaching the problem in very different ways. In the worldwide race to claim the prize of a cure, we witness a drama in the making. Who will cross the finish line first? Will it be the Swiss scientist Martin Schwab, who has actually managed to heal spinal cords in rats and has restored their ability to walk? Will it be Wise Young, a Rutgers scientist who is pinning his research hopes on drug therapies? Or could Lars Olson of the Swedish Karolinska Institute hold the key to success in his efforts to construct a bridge of slender nerve filaments to connect a once-severed spinal cord? His rats are already flexing their legs. These scientists, and others with unique and creative approaches of their own, have dared to tackle this seemingly unsolvable problem of spinal cord regeneration. Like all major medical and scientific breakthroughs, the "Eureka" moment often seems obvious in hindsight. Perhaps we'll have the same perspective when the puzzle of spinal cord regeneration is solved and the nerves are indeed healed. Until that time, there's a race to the finish line, and suspense is building. In Search of the Lost Cord is a trackside seat.Part I: The Science of the Impossible; The Maestro and the Dogma; Regeneration's Solitary Warrior; The Gains in Brain Are Mainly in the Stain; 1980-1981: Bridges to a New Era; The Unyielding Spirit; A Schwann Cell Chauvinist; The Little Antibody That Could; Overcoming an Invisible Barrier; The Rats Are Walking; Part II: The Many Faces of Hope; Hope Against Hype; Healing from Within; Mighty Cells; Elixir of Youth for Damaged Nerves; Wired for Regeneration; The Smart Spinal Cord; The 2-Million Quest; Man-Machine Mergers; Epilogue; Appendix: The Spinal Cord Before and After Injury; Notes and Sources; A Special Acknowledgement; Index

Szczegóły: In Search of the Lost Cord - National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Sciences, Luba Vikhanski

Tytuł: In Search of the Lost Cord
Autor: National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Sciences, Luba Vikhanski
Producent: Joseph Henry Press
ISBN: 9780309074377
Rok produkcji: 2001
Ilość stron: 286
Oprawa: Twarda
Waga: 0.62 kg

Recenzje: In Search of the Lost Cord - National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Sciences, Luba Vikhanski