Scientists Pioneer Surgical Methods for Human Head and Eye Transplants
Summary
New Scientist hosts discuss two major transplant breakthroughs with biomed editor Alexandra Thompson. First, scientists kept donor retinas functional for up to 10 hours post-mortem using an oxygenated perfusion system, advancing eye transplant research. Second, a study fused severed pig spinal cords using a chemical agent, enabling the animals to walk again. The episode also addresses the controversial implications of this spinal fusion technology for potential human body transplants.
Topics discussed
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Intro: Breakthroughs in eye and spinal cord transplants
Keeping human retinas alive after death
Retina anatomy and challenges of eye transplants
Case study: Aaron James face and eye transplant
The 'eye-in-a-box' perfusion system details
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Spinal cord fusion research in pigs
Fusogenic neurosurgery procedure and results
Mechanisms of nerve regeneration and limitations
Sergio Canavero and the controversy of head transplants
Alternative treatments and episode conclusion
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