Human organoids reveal how to reverse “irreversible” nerve damage

Cambridge researchers created miniature brain-and-spinal-cord systems in the lab that can send signals and even trigger tiny muscle contractions.

They discovered that human neurons gradually lose their ability to regrow after damage during development — but that ability can potentially be switched back on.

The team identified a gene network controlling this process and found that an existing hormone drug dramatically boosted nerve fiber regrowth. ...