Jennifer Matthews: Neuroscientist Mary Bartlett Bunge has found her passion at the Miami Project to cure paralysis. A recent discovery may have put her on the map.
Dr. Mary Bartlett Bunge: I think these are the most exciting findings that I have seen in my laboratory in my 15 years on the Miami project.
Jennifer Matthews: In a three-year study, Bunge restored walking ability in paralyzed rats to up to 70 percent normal function.
Dr. Mary Bartlett Bunge: To see something for the first time is a creative and thrilling experience.
Jennifer Matthews: The therapy combines three treatments believed to help paralysis. One of those treatments is Schwann cells.
Dr. Mary Bartlett Bunge: Schwann cells enable regeneration of neuro-fibers in the peripheral nervous system, that is in your legs and arms.
Jennifer Matthews: Cyclic AMP is also used. It's injected into the spinal cord to improve the growth of neuro-fibers. And the antidepressant rolipram is used to maintain the AMP at high levels.
Dr. Mary Bartlett Bunge: This finding opens up new possibilities for treating humans with spinal cord injury.
Jennifer Matthews: Dan Castellanos was paralyzed more than 20 years ago. He's now a researcher himself at the Miami Project and calls Bunge's research a breakthrough.
Dr. Dan Castellanos: I think it is revolutionary and it comes at a really important time.
Jennifer Matthews: He's excited about the implications.
Dr. Dan Castellanos: I think it shows great potential and I think it is a good time to be here and it is a good time to be watching.
Jennifer Matthews: You can bet both scientists and patients are going to be watching and waiting. This is Jennifer Matthews reporting.
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