Synthetic Molecules That Promote Neuronal Growth. Science Fiction?

No it's science fact. Researchers at Northwestern University have developed actual synthetic molecules that promote neuronal growth and could lead to a reversal of damage in spinal cord injuries.

Nanofibers help neuron growth by allowing an abundance of amino acids known to help progenitor cells turn into neuronal cells. Progenitor cells care young cells that can turn into other cells through catalysts such as amino acids and gene triggers. Without these nanofibers, these progenitor cells generally turn into astrocyte cells that lead to scar tissue that can and usually prevents new neuronal growth.

Here is the article:

http://www.northwestern.edu/observer/issues/2004-09-23/stupp.html