Horizon Season 2005 Episode 15 The Doctor Who Makes People Walk Again?

The Horizon season 2005 episode 15, titled "The Doctor Who Makes People Walk Again?" explores the science and technology behind regenerating damaged spinal cords. The episode focuses on the work of a leading Spinal Cord Injury researcher, Dr. Wise Young, and his efforts to develop neuroprotection techniques that encourage regeneration and recovery after spinal cord injuries.

The episode begins by setting the scene for the growing problem of spinal cord injuries around the world and the debilitating impact they have on patients and their families. Dr. Young, the world-renowned Spinal Cord Injury specialist at Rutgers University in New Jersey, is presented as a beacon of hope for patients with spinal injuries. Using a combination of surgery, stem cells, and electrical stimulation, he is striving to find a cure for paralysis and help patients walk again.

The first part of the episode takes us through the basics of how the spinal cord usually functions and why spinal injuries are so devastating. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and other parts of the body, controlling functions such as movement, sensation, and reflexes. When the spinal cord is damaged, these signals are interrupted, causing paralysis and often resulting in a complete change of lifestyle for the patient.

Dr. Young's research focuses on encouraging regeneration of the damaged spinal cord tissue and repairing the disrupted neural connections. Using stem cells harvested from the patients' own bodies, he aims to rebuild the spinal cord tissue and restore the connections between the brain and limbs. Alongside the surgical procedures, Dr. Young also employs various forms of electrical and magnetic stimulation to help guide the cells' growth and encourage regeneration.

We are introduced to several patients who have suffered spinal injuries and are undergoing experimental treatment with Dr. Young. They all speak about the immense impact of the injury on their lives and their hopes for a successful recovery through this cutting-edge research. The episode offers glimpses into the operation, where we see surgeons implanting the stem cells directly into the damaged spinal cord of the patients.

The episode also explores various techniques used to stimulate the growth and regeneration of the cells. We meet Dr. Reggie Edgerton from UCLA, who has developed a robotic implant that allows patients to stand and even walk with the help of computerized movement patterns. This technology works in conjunction with electrical and magnetic stimulation techniques that further aid the regeneration of the damaged spinal cord.

Dr. Young's team works with a combination of drug therapies and exercise to further aid the recovery in patients. They believe that the local injection of a protein called RhoA is critical for signaling the cells to stop inhibiting axonal growth, which can then lead to neural regeneration. The patients are put through rigorous physical training programs and physiotherapy involving precise movements that will strengthen the damaged muscles and standardize motor skills.

In conclusion, the Horizon season 2005 episode 15, titled "The Doctor Who Makes People Walk Again?" takes viewers on a compelling journey into the world of spinal cord injury research. It presents the hope and possibilities associated with the various therapies and treatments used by Dr. Wise Young, who has dedicated his work towards restoring the mobility and improving the quality of life for his patients. The episode is a captivating insight into the latest scientific developments in treating spinal cord injuries and the tireless dedication and commitment of the medical professionals involved in this field.