A research team at the University of Southern California (USC) has developed the Bladder-Linked Stimulation System (BLISS), focusing on restoring bladder control for paralyzed patients, a critical issue often overshadowed by motor function restoration efforts. Approximately 308,000 individuals in the U.S. live with spinal cord injuries, most of whom lose bladder control, leading to significant medical and social challenges. Dr. Charles Liu, a neurosurgeon and co-senior author of a new study published in the IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, highlighted that bladder function is a priority for patients, often more so than regaining limb movement. The team aims to create a spinal cord machine interface, which targets specific regions of the spinal cord responsible for bladder sensations and control. Initial experiments in rats showed promising results, with 91.7% success in coordinating bladder voiding when electrical pulses mimicked natural signals. The team plans to advance to human trials within 18 months, starting with patients undergoing spinal cord tumor surgeries. This innovative approach represents a significant step in neuro-restoration, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering and medical fields.