Worlds first human spinal cord implant to take place in Israel

a day ago

Tel Aviv [Israel], August 20 (ANI/TPS): Israel is preparing to perform the world's first-ever human spinal cord implant using a patient's own cells, a medical breakthrough that could allow paralysed patients to stand and walk again, Tel Aviv University announced on Wednesday.The surgery, expected in the coming months, will take place in Israel and marks a historic milestone in regenerative medicine.According to the World Health Organisation, over 15 million people worldwide are living with spinal cord injuries, with the majority resulting from traumatic causes such as falls, road traffic accidents, and violence.Currently, spinal cord injuries cannot be fully cured, so treatment focuses on stabilising the patient, preventing further damage, and maximising function. Emergency care often involves immobilising the spine, reducing inflammation, and sometimes performing surgery to repair fractures or relieve pressure. Rehabilitation includes physical and occupational therapy, as well as assistive devices like wheelchairs and braces. While experimental therapies–including stem cells and robotic devices–are being explored, no treatment yet reliably restores full spinal cord function.Spinal cord injuries are one of the few human injuries where the body cannot naturally heal itself, and the tissue is both structurally complex and extremely sensitive.'The spinal cord transmits electrical signals from the brain to all parts of the body. When it is severed by trauma such as a car accident, a fall, or a combat injury, the chain is broken. Think of an electrical cable that has been cut: when the two ends no longer touch, the signal cannot pass, and the patient remains paralysed below the injury," explained Professor Tal Dvir, head of the Sagol Centre for Regenerative Biotechnology and the Nanotechnology Centre at Tel Aviv University, who is leading the effort. Dvir is also the chief scientist at Matricelf, the Israeli biotech company commercialising the technology.Unlike other tissues, spinal cord neurons cannot naturally regenerate, and over time, scar tissue blocks remaining signals. The new procedure aims to replace the damaged section with a lab-grown spinal cord that fuses with healthy tissue above and below the injury. Animal studies in rats have shown remarkable results, with the animals regaining the ability to walk normally.The innovation began about three years ago, when Dvir's lab engineered a personalised three-dimensional human spinal cord in the laboratory. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Advanced Science, showed that mice with chronic paralysis regained mobility after receiving the engineered implants.The procedure begins with blood cells from the patient, which are reprogrammed into stem-cell-like cells capable of becoming any cell type. Fat tissue is also collected to create a custom hydrogel scaffold, into which the stem-like cells develop into a spinal cord structure. This engineered tissue is then implanted, replacing scarred areas and reconnecting the nervous system.A few months ago, Prof. Dvir and his team received preliminary approval from Israel's Ministry of Health for 'compassionate use" trials in eight patients, making Israel the first country to attempt this procedure. 'This is undoubtedly a matter of national pride. The technology was developed here in Israel, at Tel Aviv University and at Matricelf, and from the very beginning it was clear to us that the first-ever surgery would be performed in Israel, with an Israeli patient," Dvir said.The technology was then commercialised through Matricelf, which was founded in 2019 under a licensing agreement with Tel Aviv University's technology transfer company, Ramot.'This milestone marks the shift from pioneering research to patient treatment. Using each patient's own cells eliminates key safety risks and positions Matricelf at the forefront of regenerative medicine. This first procedure is more than a scientific breakthrough; it is a step toward transforming an area of medicine long considered untreatable," said Matricelf CEO Gil Hakim.He added, 'If successful, this therapy could define a new standard of care in spinal cord repair, addressing a multi-billion-dollar market with no effective solutions today. We are proud that Israel is leading this global effort and are fully committed to bringing this innovation to patients worldwide."'Our goal is to help paralysed patients rise from their wheelchairs. The animal model trials showed extraordinary success, and we are hopeful that the results in humans will be just as promising," Dvir said. (ANI/TPS)

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Jurassic-Era Discovery In India? Fossils With Spine, Wings Found In Rajasthan Village

India.com

5 hours ago

India.com

Jurassic-Era Discovery In India? Fossils With Spine, Wings Found In Rajasthan Village

New Delhi: Fossil-like formations believed to be from the dinosaur era have been discovered during pond excavation work near Megha village in the Fatehgarh sub-division of Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district, prompting excitement among locals and geologists alike. The unearthed objects include a large, bone-like structure and several pieces resembling petrified wood. While fossilised wood has been previously found in western Rajasthan, the discovery of skeletal-looking remains has sparked particular interest due to its rarity. #WATCH | Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: Vertebrate fossils, potentially related to the Jurassic Era, found in Megha Village of Fatehgarh sub-division. — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2025 Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Locals stumbled upon the remains while digging near a pond. In response, Fatehgarh's Sub-Divisional Magistrate Bharatraj Gurjar and the local Tehsildar visited the site on Wednesday for an on-ground assessment. Senior Hydro-Geologist Dr Narayan Das Inakhiya, who also examined the site, expressed enthusiasm over the find. 'This is Megha Village... This is a vertebrate fossil... Most importantly, whole parts of the spine can be seen. It is a matter of curiosity, a subject for research, and a moment of pride for us," he said. #WATCH | Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: On vertebrate fossils potentially related to the Jurassic Era being found in Megha village, Senior Hydro-Geologist Dr. Narayan Das Inakhiya says, "...This is Megha is a vertebrate importantly, whole parts of the spine can… — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2025 He further added, 'This is proof that Jaisalmer's geological heritage is incredibly rich. The fossil appears to date back to the Jurassic period and is estimated to be around 18 million years old. Villagers have collected many other similar fossils, and these are all interlinked, offering fresh hope for research.' Dr Inakhiya described fossilisation as a slow, multi-million-year process and said the current discovery is 'a significant achievement for the fields of Palaeontology, Geology, and for Jaisalmer itself.' Notably, he mentioned that the fossil seems to include wing-like structures, adding that 'dinosaur footprints and bone remains have previously been found in this region.' He also highlighted the tourism potential this discovery could bring: 'Jaisalmer is already known for its forts and desert landscapes, but this development might make it a new attraction for science and history enthusiasts alike.' Speaking to PTI, SDM Gurjar confirmed that higher authorities have been notified, and a team from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) is expected to conduct a scientific examination of the finds. 'Only after a thorough investigation can we ascertain the age and classification of the fossils,' he said. However, not all experts are convinced of the fossils' antiquity just yet. According to media reports, Professor Shyam Sunder Meena observed that the remains were found on the surface rather than deep underground. 'It is possible that they are not very ancient and may be only 50 to 100 years old. Only carbon dating and further scientific analysis can confirm their true age,' he said. The region comprising Jaisalmer, Barmer, and neighbouring Kutch in Gujarat has long been recognised for its palaeontological significance. If authenticated, this latest find could further cement Rajasthan's status as a key location for the study of prehistoric life in India.

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8 hours ago

First Post

Spain: Motor Yacht 'Da Vinci' Catches Fire, Sinks off Formentera

Spain: Motor Yacht 'Da Vinci' Catches Fire, Sinks off Formentera | Vantage with Palki Sharma A 29-metre motor yacht, 'Da Vinci' caught fire off the coast of Formentera in Spain on Monday. While authorities managed to rescue all seven aboard -- including four passengers, two crew and the captain -- the yacht sunk due to fire damage. Also on Vantage Shots: - Israeli military claims it blew up Hamas tunnels in Gaza. - Parisians cool off in the Seine as a heatwave sweeps over France. - On this day in 1990, a nearly-complete skeleton of a tyrannosaurus rex was discovered. The specimen was 65 million years old. The bones were extremely well-preserved, with 90% of them intact. The discovery allowed scientists to learn everything they know about the dinosaur. See More

Expand AYUSH-based services to promote integrative oncology approaches: Parliamentary panel

Economic Times

9 hours ago

Economic Times

Expand AYUSH-based services to promote integrative oncology approaches: Parliamentary panel

ANI Representational image. A parliamentary committee has recommended taking proactive steps to expand the institutional footprint of AYUSH-based healthcare services across the country to promote integrative oncology approaches and enable patients to benefit from diverse therapeutic options rooted in India's traditional knowledge systems for combating cancer. Headed by Narain Dass Gupta, the Committee on Petitions of the Rajya Sabha noted in its 163rd report presented on Wednesday that the penetration of alternative systems of medicine -- namely Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani and Siddha -- within the domain of cancer care remains significantly limited in comparison to allopathic treatment modalities. The Ministry of AYUSH has reported ongoing advancements in cancer-related research across these traditional systems. It also recommended the establishment of dedicated institutions for AYUSH-based cancer care in every state and Union Territory (UT), modelled on the All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi. "Such a move would broaden access, promote integrative oncology approaches and enable patients to benefit from diverse therapeutic options rooted in India's traditional knowledge systems," the panel said. The Committee further recommended that cancer be declared a notifiable disease across all states and UTs. It said reliable data is vital for assessing public health issues, particularly cancer, where comprehensive information is essential to track trends, design policies and plan infrastructure. At present, cancer data is primarily drawn from the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), which covers only about 18 per cent of the population, which is insufficient for a national picture. Healthcare professionals have long advocated for declaring cancer a notifiable disease. At present, the government's position is guided by WHO norms, which limit notification to communicable diseases. "However, given the rising cancer burden in India, this stance warrants a serious reconsideration. Given India's rising cancer burden, the Committee is of the view that declaring cancer notifiable would ensure systematic reporting, generate real-time and credible data, strengthen surveillance and enable evidence-based policymaking. "It would support targeted interventions, rational resource allocation, region-specific strategies and development of appropriate infrastructure," it said in the report. While some states have already made cancer notifiable, a national mandate would ensure uniform documentation and a clear picture of the disease burden. The Committee also noted that while banks, PSUs and corporates invest substantially in corporate social responsibility (CSR) largely in healthcare, education and women's empowerment, these efforts are often compliance-driven and concentrated around operational areas. It, therefore, recommended that a defined share of CSR funds be earmarked for cancer care to complement government efforts, particularly by establishing diagnostic centres, radiotherapy units and palliative care facilities in underserved and rural regions. Corporates should realign CSR strategies with national health priorities, shifting to a needs-based outcome-driven model that meaningfully addresses gaps in the cancer care ecosystem and contributes to inclusive nation-building, the panel said. Patient Assistance Programmes are a commendable initiative by the government aimed at ensuring access to affordable medicines, particularly for economically vulnerable sections of society, the panel noted. Programmes such as the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) play a critical role in providing low-cost medicines to patients from low-income groups. It noted that while some pharmaceutical companies do offer patient support programmes, their presence remains limited. It recommended engaging more pharmaceutical manufacturers to implement such initiatives, particularly in areas where access to healthcare services is inadequate. "This would greatly enhance the accessibility and affordability of essential treatments for disadvantaged populations. The Patient Assistance Programmes must also educate the patients about the treatment methodologies available and ensure that they adhere to the treatment plan. "They should also be educated about the different government schemes available," the panel recommended.