Page 22 - BB Neuromedicine Highlights 2019

While this does not offer any di-
rect treatment options, it does en-
able researchers to have access to
brain tissue for study. This means
that there is an acceleration in the
capacity to understand neuro-
logical diseases and research the
effects of new drugs. For example,
stem cells from a Parkinson’s
disease patient could recreate
a “Parkinson’s brain” for active
research. Not only does this avoid
animal research, it speeds up the
investigative process as well.

challeNges aheaD FOr
NeurOlOgIcal sTem cell
TechNOlOgy
Several obstacles exist for 3D
neurological disorders in the very of Minnesota, researchers have aDvaNcINg care ThrOugh printing for medical use. For one,
near future. Specifically, neurolog- successfully used 3D printing research all tissues need blood circulation.
ical stem cell technology could be for medical use to help these Indeed, 3D printing for medical Matching up a person’s existing
a key to treatments in Parkinson’s individuals. use and neurological stem cell blood vessels with that of 3D-print-
disease, epilepsy, brain trauma, Funded by Conquer Paralysis technology is exciting in terms ed tissues poses a challenge. Like-
and even schizophrenia. In es- Now, specialized stem cells are of new disease treatments. But wise, some stem cell types have
sence, 3D printing for medical use printed onto a silicone structure. other companies are advancing the potential for developing into
could allow neurological stem cell this structure is then inserted as discoveries by facilitating neuro- tumors called teratomas. However,
technology to replace dysfunction a “bridge” between healthy spinal logical research. Celprogen, Inc., ongoing research is actively looking
or degenerative neurons. cord areas. Researchers are find- is recognized as a bold business to solve these problems. And thus
At the University of Wollongong ing that roughly three-quarters of leader in stem cell research and far, there clearly spells progress.
in Australia, researchers have the stem cells are surviving, which therapeutics. Recently, the com- Given the speed at which these
been pursuing this approach is a marked improvement. Thus, pany successfully used 3D printing developments are proceeding, 3D
for over a year. They printed this form of neuromedicine could for medical use to recreate an printing for medical use is likely
pluripotent stem cells onto a 3D offer a radical new option of care. entire brain from stem cells. right around the corner.
scaffold to create neurons that
made specific brain chemicals.
The goal is to then place these
cells in the brains of patients with
specific conditions lacking these
neurotransmitters. This is how
neurological stem cell technology
could restore function to a variety
of neurological illnesses.

majOr heaDWay FOr sPINal
cOrD INjury TreaTmeNT
In addition to treating neu-
rological diseases of the brain,
neurological stem cell technology
also offers promise for spinal cord
injuries. In the U.S., over 17,000
new spinal cord injuries occur
each year with notable disabili-
ties. However, at the University