‘Reprogrammed’ stem cells helped a paralyzed man stand again

A man who was fully paralyzed is now able to stand after receiving an injection of reprogrammed stem cells into his injured spinal cord. The result, announced by researchers in Japan, marks a rare and powerful moment in a field where progress has been cautious and uncertain.

The clinical trial, led by neuroscientist Hideyuki Okano at Keio University in Tokyo, involved four adult men who had suffered complete spinal cord injuries. All were classified as having no motor or sensory function below the injury site.