Spinal cord injuries in lab animals can now be treated with nano (microscopic) technologies that can improve healing and even reverse paralysis, according to researchers. Paralyzed mice have had full movement restored in only six weeks.

The U.S. government has spent over a billion dollars on nanotechnology research. The research is controversial, because not enough is known about side effects and what can happen if the tiny molecules escape into the environment.

However, the research results look promising. If treatment with nanotechnology proves equally successful on humans, many people who are now paralyzed could soon be able to lead normal lives again.