Lab-grown brain–spinal cord model reveals reversible nerve regrowth brake
Cambridge researchers built mini brain–spinal cord organoids that form functional circuits capable of triggering muscle contractions. They found human neurons can regrow axons before about day 150 of development but lose this ability as they mature; by blocking a growth-suppressing gene network and applying lynestrenol, damaged axons regrew in the model. This human-relevant organoid system helps study nerve repair and suggests strategies for spinal injuries and related disorders, though further work is needed to ensure proper brain–spinal connections.