In Search of the Lost Cord: Solving the Mystery of Spinal Cord Regeneration [Hardcover]

Luba Vikhanski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2001

"In Search of the Lost Cord" is a scientific detective story, the stuff of science fiction en route to science fact. People trapped by the limitation of paralyzed limbs, rendered useless by devastating, catastrophic injuries to their spinal cords, may one day walk again. If the research is successful ...if the scientists hit on the right strategy for approaching the problem, we may yet see miracles happen. In her new book, science journalist Luba Vikhanski profiles the rapidly developing field of spinal cord injury research. She explains the field's greatest scientific challenges and introduces us to the pioneers who are working toward what would be a startling breakthrough. Perhaps the most riveting aspect of this international effort is the fact that each of these scientists is approaching the problem in very different ways.In the worldwide race to claim the prize of a cure, we witness a drama in the making. Who will cross the finish line first? Will it be the Swiss scientist Martin Schwab, who has actually managed to heal spinal cords in rats and has restored their ability to walk? Will it be Wise Young, a Rutgers scientist who is pinning his research hopes on drug therapies? Or could Lars Olson of the Swedish Karolinska Institute hold the key to success in his efforts to construct a bridge of slender nerve filaments to connect a once-severed spinal cord? His rats are already flexing their legs.These scientists, and others with unique and creative approaches of their own, have dared to tackle this seemingly unsolvable problem of spinal cord regeneration. Like all major medical and scientific breakthroughs, the "Eureka" moment often seems obvious in hindsight. Perhaps we'll have the same perspective when the puzzle of spinal cord regeneration is solved and the nerves are indeed healed. Until that time, there's a race to the finish line, and suspense is building. "In Search of the Lost Cord" is a trackside seat.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

People with spinal cord injuries caused by car accidents and other traumatic events have generally been considered hopeless cases destined to a life of paralysis. But in recent years, there have been dramatic advances in spinal cord regeneration research. Medical journalist Vikhanski (An Informed Patient's Guide to Breast Surgery) presents a history of this research and provides insight into current developments that may offer the paralyzed hope for the future. New treatments on the horizon include an immune therapy procedure that has been tested in Israel with human subjects and possibilities for mechanical neural prostheses. Vikhanski's writing is a little dry and perhaps too scientific for some general readers, but interested parties will have no problem keeping up. Including a helpful appendix of scientific terms, this is recommended for consumer health collections, rehabilitation hospitals, and large academic and public libraries. Elizabeth Williams, Fresno City Coll. Lib., CA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"...a gripping 200-page cliffhanger that is enjoyable and informative for scientists, clinicians, and the public...both educational and captivating." -- Nature Medicine, December 2001

"Readers will be rewarded by a fascinating story..." -- Science Books & Films, November/December 2002

"This little-known saga of scientific achievement has been splendidly chronicled... reads like a scientific detective story or science fiction..." -- THE JERUSALEM POST, March 3

"Vikhanski provides insight into current developments that may offer the paralyzed hope...interested parties will have no problem keeping up." -- Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 286 pages
• Publisher: Joseph Henry Press; 1 edition (October 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0309074371
• ISBN-13: 978-0309074377
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,147,840 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A medical book that reads like a mystery, January 26, 2002

By 

Jocelyne "French lady" (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In Search of the Lost Cord: Solving the Mystery of Spinal Cord Regeneration (Hardcover)

In this extremely well written book, Luba Vihanski reviews one hundred years of research on spinal record regeneration. She describes the many angles from which this topic has been approached. She explains what was previously believed and what the experiments demonstrated. Many diagrams and photographs make the topic more clear. The researchers involved are not left out in the dark: You get a feeling that you know them.

This account is illuminating and very easy to read, even for a neophyte like me without medical training. One piece of advice: read the appendix on the spinal cord before and after injury before you read the rest of the book.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating..., June 1, 2007

By 

Lynn Demartini "indigocenter" (McDade, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In Search of the Lost Cord: Solving the Mystery of Spinal Cord Regeneration (Hardcover)

Rarely do I read such an informative and riveting account of a scientific topic. I read it cover to cover and wanted to know more. It is a very comprehensive and satisfying history of spinal cord research!