Study: Spinal cord operates like the brain

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- A Danish-led study has discovered the spinal cord uses network mechanisms similar to those used in the brain.

A University of Copenhagen research group -- consisting of Professor Jorn Hounsgaard and post doctoral student Rune Berg -- along with Assistant Professor Aidas Alaburda of the University of Vilnius has determined spinal neurons, during network activity underlying movements, show the similar irregular firing patterns as seen in the cerebral cortex.

"Our findings contradict conventional wisdom about spinal cord functions," said Berg, noting until now the general belief was that the spinal networks functioned mechanically and completely without random impulses.

The scientists say their discovery enables researchers to use the theory on cortical networks to explore how spinal cords generate movements.

The study is detailed in the current issue of the journal Science.