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Paralysed patient breakthrough
Stem cells used to bring back feeling for patients

Two out of three paralysed patients have found sensation in a previously numb area since receiving neural stem injections, following treatment from Californian company StemCells.

Touch and heat sensation was found six months after therapy for two of the patients between their chest and bellybutton. Unfortunately, the third has seen no change.

The patients were injected directly to the injured region of their spinal cord four to eight months after injury with stem cells donated from fetal brain tissue. These are the first of 12 who will eventually receive the therapy.

"We need to keep monitoring these patients to see if feeling continues to affect lower segments of their bodies," said Stephen Huhn of StemCells. "These are results after only six months, and we will follow these patients for many years."

It is hoped that once fully developed this therapy could one day become incorporated into the veterinary industry.

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk