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Fusive Neurosurgery: How Paralyzed Pigs Are Walking Again – Could Humans Be Next?

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Medical breakthrough: Pigs regain walking ability after spinal injury treatment

Pigs Regain Walking Ability Post-Spinal Cord Injury Through ‘Fusion’ Therapy

Michael Lebenstein-Gumovski et al. 2026

Currently, over 15 million individuals worldwide suffer from spinal cord injuries, with limited treatment options available. A new study explores exciting advancements in regenerative medicine, revealing how pigs with complete spinal cord severance regained mobility. Read the latest research here.

This groundbreaking work was spearheaded by Michael Levenstein-Gumowski at the Skrifosovsky Institute of Emergency Medicine, Russia. Notably, the study includes insights from neurosurgeon Sergio Canavero, who previously claimed that human head transplants might be possible within two years. His involvement further fuels interest, especially as Russia aims to add spinal cords to its list of transplantable tissues this year.

So, what methods did Levenstein-Gumowski and his research team employ? Initially, they anesthetized the pigs, removed the bony arch of the spinal column, cooled the region, and made a clean cut through the spinal cord. This procedure simulated one of the most severe spinal cord injuries.

Subsequently, the team stabilized the spine around the lesioned area and positioned the severed spinal ends close together. Three pigs were administered a fusogenic compound, composed of polyethylene glycol—used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals—and chitosan, a biopolymer derived from crustacean shells. This mixture was injected both at the injury site and into the bloodstream, while two pigs served as control subjects without fusogen.

All animals received anti-inflammatory medications and were given electrical stimulation to the limbs for 20 minutes, twice daily. One week post-surgery, the experimental group also received an additional injection of the fusion-promoting agent.

Immediately following surgery, all pigs exhibited motor and sensory paralysis in their hind limbs and pelves, symptoms that persisted in control animals. Remarkably, within 48 hours, one treated pig began to move its hind limbs. By the end of the week, one displayed attempts to stand.

Throughout the 60-day observation period, all three treated pigs achieved the ability to walk, albeit unsteadily. They also regained pelvic control and some sensory function. Examination of the injury site showed reduced degeneration and a significant presence of twisted, thickened axons, creating what the authors termed an “axonal bridge” across the damaged area.

The researchers hypothesize that polyethylene glycol helps to seal injured nerves, limiting degeneration and fostering axon fusion across the injury. Chitosan may additionally aid in sealing neural membranes and providing structural support.

This innovative approach is akin to connecting two wires end-to-end, allowing for the potential continuity of electrical signals across the lesion.

Visualization of Spinal Axons at Injury Site in Pigs

Michael Lebenstein-Gumovski et al. 2026

However, the anatomy of the spinal cord presents significant challenges. Unlike simple electrical cables, the spinal cord comprises a complex network of axons, immune cells, blood vessels, and supporting tissues. Injury to the spinal cord triggers inflammation and scarring, complicating the healing process. Previous studies in mice indicated that functional recovery hinges on returning axons to their intended targets, highlighting the limitations of randomized nerve regrowth.

The research team provided New Scientist with a video demonstrating their technique and voiced confidence in their findings due to the controlled nature of their surgical procedure. Yet, Levenstein-Gumowski confirms plans to integrate electrophysiological evaluations in future studies.

“The outcomes of this research were unexpected, as treated subjects regained some sensory and motor functions,” remarks Melissa Andrews from the University of Southampton, UK. “This includes the ability to stand and respond to stimuli in previously affected limbs, functionalities typically lost in human spinal cord injury cases.”

Nonetheless, she points out that the spinal cord was cooled before severance, which may not accurately reflect typical injury scenarios. Regardless, Andrews notes, “the results thus far appear promising.”

Are Human Head Transplants Next?

Could Fusion Neurosurgery Enable Future Head Transplants?

Sally Anderson/Alamy

Upon inquiry, Levenstein-Gumowski emphasized that their primary objective revolves around innovating strategies to restore functionality and structure to injured spinal cords in humans. Yet, with Canavero’s involvement, the potential intersection with head or brain transplants looms large.

While not explicitly stated as the immediate aim of the pig study, Levenstein-Gumowski conceded that it exists within the broader paradigm of ‘fusion neurosurgery.’ This novel approach marries bioengineering, membrane fusion, and neuroplasticity. Simultaneously, the team is investigating potential applications for “transplant neurosurgery.”

Looking forward, the researchers plan to replicate this experiment with larger animal cohorts, ideally involving independent teams across various nations. “I aim to avoid making unsubstantiated promises and will thoroughly vet this methodology before any clinical application,” he asserts.

Future directions include the exploration of human clinical trials, as similar techniques have been initially tested on cadavers. However, applying them in living subjects remains a complex challenge.

Practical concerns are also paramount. Real-life spinal injuries typically incite significant inflammation, degradation, and scarring, rendering repair efforts much more arduous than in controlled research environments. Levenstein-Gumowski acknowledges the undeniable difficulty of “introducing a potent fusion agent into an unprepared spinal cord, akin to placing a quantum computer in a rustic cabin.” The technology is present, but the necessary systems for effective application are not yet in place.

Consequently, the team is exploring ways to ensure timely access to appropriate preoperative care for individuals suffering new injuries. However, this approach holds limited promise for those with chronic injuries. For these cases, techniques involving donor spinal cord segments are being developed to bridge the damaged regions.

Legal considerations are also critical. Starting September 1, a new law will classify “nerves, spinal cords, and their fragments” as approved transplant materials in Russia. While no other country currently includes spinal cords on such a list, places like Israel and the United States permit the harvesting of stem cells from patients for spinal cord transplant applications.

We may be on the cusp of realizing the feasibility of whole head and brain transplants. Canavero insists that this perspective is grounded in reality. He states, “This is another pivotal step toward human brain transplants.” Notably, he alleges that the inaugural surgery employing the spinal fusion protocol on paraplegics is scheduled for later this year, although further details remain undisclosed.

This area of research encompasses a rich history that extends from Robert White’s monkey head transplant trials in the 1970s—where spinal connectivity was never established—to today’s conversations among life extension advocates who aspire to transplant a consciousness into a younger, brainless clone. For millions wheelchair-bound, it often appears that the transformative benefits of such advances remain distant.

Within this field, extraordinary claims can overshadow tangible evidence. When it comes to human applications of fusion neurosurgery, independent validation, stringent oversight, transparent data sharing, and meticulous regulation will be imperative. Furthermore, distinguishing between spinal cord repair as a viable treatment for paralysis and the ethically sensitive aims of brain transplants will be essential. Lacking these measures, promising therapies for paralysis might encounter unwarranted obstacles.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Paralyzed Man Experiences Sensations Through Others’ Touch

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Keith Thomas (right) was able to control other people’s hands.

Matthew Ribasi/Feinstein Institute for Medical Research

A paralyzed individual can now move and sense the hands of others as if they were his own due to an innovative ‘telepathic’ brain implant. “We’ve established a mind-body connection between two distinct individuals,” explains Chad Bouton from the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research in New York.

Bouton theorizes this method could serve as a rehabilitation tool following spinal cord injuries, enabling paralyzed individuals to collaborate and potentially allowing shared experiences from a distance.

Bouton and his team collaborated with Keith Thomas, a man in his 40s who became paralyzed from the chest down after a diving accident in July 2020, losing all movement and sensation in his hands.

In a prior study in 2023, researchers inserted five sets of small electrodes into the part of Thomas’s brain responsible for movement and sensation in his right hand, enabling them to monitor his neural activity through a device affixed to his skull.

By processing these signals through a computer equipped with an artificial intelligence model, the researchers deciphered the neural activity and relayed signals wirelessly to electrodes on Thomas’ forearm, prompting muscle contractions and relaxations that allowed him to move his hand. Thomas also used force sensors on his hands, transmitting signals back to his brain implant, thereby creating a sense of touch. Consequently, he was able to use his mind to pick up and feel objects in his hands for the first time in years.

Now, the team has adapted a similar system that enables Thomas to control and sense through the hands of others. In one experiment, a non-disabled woman was fitted with forearm electrodes and numerous force sensors on her thumb and index finger. Although she did not attempt to move, Thomas was able to open and close her hand by merely imagining the action.

He could also perceive the sensation of her fingers gripping a baseball, a soft foam ball, and a firmer ball in his own hand, distinguishing between them based on their hardness while blindfolded. “It definitely feels strange,” Thomas remarked. “You’ll eventually get accustomed to it.”

Though Thomas could only identify the different balls with 64% accuracy, Bouton believes this figure could be enhanced by optimizing sensor locations and numbers on his hands. They also could not discern the shape of the balls, but Bouton is hopeful that additional brain electrodes and force sensors might enable them to recognize various objects.

In another similar trial, Thomas assisted a paralyzed woman named Kathy DeNapoli in picking up a can and drinking from it, a task she struggled to perform independently due to limited finger movement. “It was genuinely remarkable, how you can assist someone simply by thinking about it,” Thomas expressed.

Electrodes implanted in Keith Thomas’ brain are wired to a computer

Matthew Ribasi/Feinstein Institute for Medical Research

After several months of working with Thomas, DeNapoli’s grip strength nearly doubled, according to Bouton. DeNapoli’s paralysis isn’t so severe that receiving invasive surgery is morally questionable. While similar gains in grip strength can be achieved through conventional treatments like electrical muscle and spinal cord stimulation, Thomas and DeNapoli found collaborating far more appealing than rehabilitating alone, Bouton added.

“Just conversing about things like, ‘How’s your weekend going?’ can be beneficial. It enhances your self-esteem and theirs,” Thomas states. Bouton shared that the team intends to explore this approach with more individuals next year.

Rob Tyler, who has paralysis and is a lay member of the scientific committee of the spinal cord injury charity Inspire Foundation, perceives potential value in this method for specific paralyzed patients..

“I view this as a convenient option,” he states. “It’s enjoyable to collaborate with other patients who likely share similar experiences. It can greatly enhance someone’s quality of life.” He emphasized that finding the right combination of people with compatible outlooks and motivations will be critical.

Bouton admits numerous ethical concerns regarding who could benefit from this method must be addressed before it can receive broader medical approval, which he aims to achieve within the next decade.

Nonetheless, Bouton asserts that such technology may have applications beyond medical use, such as allowing non-disabled individuals to remotely control or experience sensations through others. “This could represent a new frontier for human connection,” he suggests.

However, it opens up a plethora of ethical dilemmas. “Is it beneficial or detrimental for society if people can control and feel through others?” questions Harris Akram from University College London Hospital. “I can envision using your body to harm another individual, or controlling someone to perpetrate a crime, and then claiming, ‘That wasn’t me.’

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Source: www.newscientist.com

AI Decodes Brain Waves of Paralyzed Individuals into Real-Time Audio

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A man with paralysis is connected to a brain-computer interface system

Lisa E. Howard/Mitely Wairagkar et al. 2025

Men who have lost their ability to speak can engage in real-time conversations and even sing using brain-controlled synthetic voices.

The brain-computer interface captures neural activity through electrodes implanted in the brain, instantly creating audio sounds that match intended pitch, intonation, and emphasis.

“This represents a breakthrough in instantaneous speech synthesis, achieving this within 25 ms,” says Sergei Stavisky from the University of California, Davis.

While advancements are needed to improve speech clarity, Maitreyee Wairagkar, also at UC Davis, notes that the individual who lost his speech due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis expresses happiness and feels that he has found his true voice.

Existing speech neurospheres that utilize brain-computer interfaces typically require a few seconds to convert brain activity into sound. Stavisky mentions that this delays natural conversation and if the connection falters, it can feel like speaking on a poor-quality phone call.

To create a more seamless speech experience, Wairagkar, Stavisky, and their team implanted 256 electrodes in the areas of the male brain responsible for facial muscle control necessary for speech. In subsequent sessions, they introduced thousands of sentences on a screen, recorded brain activity, and prompted the subject to vocalize with specific intonations.

“For instance, phrases like ‘How are you today?’ or variations such as ‘How are you? today?’ can significantly alter the meaning of sentences,” explains Stavisky. “This approach allows for a richer, more natural dialog, marking a significant advancement over previous technologies.”

The researchers utilized an AI model trained to link particular patterns of neural activity with corresponding words and tonal variations, resulting in synthetic speech that mirrors both the content and emotional delivery intended by the user.

The AI was trained with audio recordings from before the male’s condition deteriorated, employing voice-cloning technology to ensure the synthetic speech bore a resemblance to his original voice.

In another phase of the study, researchers attempted to teach him to sing a simple melody with varying pitches, with their models accurately interpreting the intended pitch in real time and adjusting the produced singing voice accordingly.

He also utilizes the system to communicate spontaneously, making sounds such as “hmmm,” “eww,” and forming words, as noted by Wairagkar.

“He’s a remarkably articulate and intelligent individual,” says David Brandman from UC Davis. “Despite his paralysis, he has continued to participate actively in work and engage in meaningful conversations.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Using Brain Implant to Control Virtual Drones: Paralyzed Individuals Can Now Fly with Their Thoughts

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A virtual drone was steered through an obstacle course by imagining moving a finger.

Wilsey et al.

A paralyzed man with electrodes implanted in his brain can pilot a virtual drone through an obstacle course just by imagining moving his fingers. His brain signals are interpreted by an AI model and used to control a simulated drone.

Research on brain-computer interfaces (BCI) has made great progress in recent years, allowing people with paralysis to write speech on a computer by precisely controlling a mouse cursor or imagining writing words with a pen. It became. However, so far it has not yet shown much promise in complex applications with multiple inputs.

now, Matthew Wilsey Researchers at the University of Michigan created an algorithm that allows users to trigger four discrete signals by imagining moving their fingers and thumbs.

The anonymous man who tried the technique is a quadriplegic due to a spinal cord injury. He was already fitted with Blackrock Neurotech's BCI, which consists of 192 electrodes implanted in the area of ​​the brain that controls hand movements.

An AI model was used to map the complex neural signals received by the electrodes onto the user's thoughts. Participants learned how to think about moving the first two fingers of one hand to generate electrical signals that can be made stronger or weaker. Another signal was generated by the next two fingers, and another two by the thumb.

These are enough to allow the user to control the virtual drone with just their head, and with practice they will be able to expertly maneuver it through obstacle courses. Wilsey said the experiment could have been done using a real drone, but was done virtually for simplicity and safety.

“The goal of building a quadcopter was largely shared by our lab and the participants,” Wilsey says. “For him, it was a kind of dream come true that he thought was lost after he got injured. He had a passion and a dream to fly. He felt so empowered and capable. He instructed us to take a video and send it to a friend.

Although the results are impressive, Willsey says there is still much work to be done before BCIs can be reliably used for complex tasks. First, AI is required to interpret the signals from the electrodes, but this depends on individual training for each user. Second, this training must be repeated over time as function declines. This could be due to slight misalignment of the electrodes in the brain or changes in the brain itself.

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Source: www.newscientist.com