Turtle movements are actually generated in the spinal cord
A new study observing the network between nerve and muscle cells in turtles has gained new insights into how movements are generated and maintained for prolonged periods of time. This new knowledge may in future be able to help people with ALS and spinal cord injuries by better understanding how and where this movement signalling between cells takes place.
The experiment used electrodes to study the spinal cord reflex of turtles when they, for example, scratched themselves with a hind leg. A motion which sets off quick-firing neurological impulses to communicate the thought into action.
To read the full report, click the link.
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Photo from AMIT MALEWAR.
