Rats walk again after breakthrough spinal cord repair with 3D printing

University of Minnesota researchers developed a groundbreaking treatment for spinal cord injuries by combining 3D printing, stem cells, and lab-grown tissues. Their method creates scaffolds with microscopic channels that guide stem cell growth to bypass damaged areas, allowing rats with severed spinal cords to regain mobility. This innovative approach, which enables nerve cells to integrate with host tissue, represents a significant advancement for treating the over 300,000 Americans suffering from spinal cord injuries.