Object: Magnesium has been shown to have neuroprotective properties in short-term spinal cord injury (SCI) studies. The authors evaluated the efficacy of magnesium, methylprednisolone, and magnesium plus methylprednisolone in a rat SCI model.

Methods: A moderate-to-severe SCI was produced at T9–10 in rats, which then received saline, magnesium, methylprednisolone, or magnesium plus methylprednisolone within 10 minutes of injury. Continue Reading »

Stem cell research has been getting a lot of attention lately. Last month, President Obama lifted the Bush administration’s strict limits on human embryonic stem cell research. The actor Michael J. Fox recently appeared on “The Daily Show” promoting his new book and the need for stem cell studies.

And recently the prestigious Peabody awards, issued for excellence in electronic media, recognized a moving independent film, “Mapping Stem Cell Research: Terra Incognita.” The documentary explores the science, emotions and ethical complications of stem cell research through the story of a scientist who focused his research efforts on spinal cord injury after his daughter became paralyzed in a skiing accident. Continue Reading »

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