Scientists are hoping that a new treatment to regenerate nerves in patients with a spinal cord injury could lead to a breakthrough in helping people who are paralysed.

A team at Bristol University has successfully transplanted genetically modified cells in rodents to trigger nerve regeneration.

The procedure has been shown to secrete a treatment molecule that is effective at removing the spinal cord scar, which typically limits recovery by blocking nerve regrowth.

There is no cure for spinal cord injury or treatment to help nerve regeneration, so therapies now are limited.

People with severe spinal cord injuries can remain paralysed for life often accompanied by incontinence.