Israel to perform groundbreaking spinal-cord implant using human cells

(JNS) — Israel is set to carry out the world’s first ever implant of a lab-grown spinal cord using a patient’s own cells, in a medical breakthrough offering a potential cure for paralysis, Tel Aviv University announced on Wednesday.

The groundbreaking surgery, which is expected to be carried out in the coming months, marks a milestone in regenerative science, with the goal of enabling the patient to walk again within a year.

The university said that the Israeli Ministry of Health has given preliminary approval to begin “compassionate use” trials in eight patients.

“This is undoubtedly a matter...