He currently directs the Brain Research Institute at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. The Medal was presented to Schwab by Christopher and Dana Reeve, with Mrs. Smith presenting the check, in recognition of his pioneering, scientific work in nerve regeneration and the development of possible therapies for treatment of spinal-cord injuries, during a special noon luncheon ceremony at the Oaks International Classic. The last five have been significant, the next five may bring treatment. Public awareness generates resources. That's very important, it is important for researchers to feel support.
Attitude is very important.
Schwab is credited with discovering that the central nervous system has certain molecules that inhibit growth and appear to retard regeneration. He further found a way to block this molecular inhibition so that the damaged spinal cord in rats can partially regenerate an the animals can recover some motor function. We all know that the peripheral nervous system will regenerate, if you were for example to lose a hand, it could be reattached and you could regain feeling and movement. The brain, spinal cord and central nervous system do not spontaneously regenerate. At the APA Research Consortium on Spinal-Cord Injury last fall, Schwab presented his studies on the inflammatory reaction in the spinal cord in the early hours after a trauma has occurred.