This is the exciting reality surrounding the next International Spinal Research Trust (ISRT) Conference that will take place at the Bermuda Biological Station next April.

Visiting here last week to finalise arrangements for the Conference, ISRT Director, Mr. Ian Walden revealed that, thanks to recent, dramatic breakthroughs in molecular biology research, the door to a cure for paralysis from spinal cord injury has now been thrown wide open. With laboratory work now virtually completed, the next step is clinical testing.

There is a real confidence that before the end of this century the little girl who breaks her back in a car accident, or the swimmer who dives and snaps his neck, will recover. Even those who have been paralysed for a long time should, at the very least, be able to enjoy partial restoration of body movement and sensation.

"Up to about ten years ago, doctors would have to tell their patients, `that's it'. But the research we have been funding since ISRT was formed in 1980 has now reached the point where we are within a tantalising whisper of attaining a cure. This will be an historical medical advance on a similar level to the discovery of penicillin and anaesthetics,'' said Mr. Walden.

He estimates that several million people, world-wide, are confined to wheelchairs as a result of accidents that have left them paralysed.

"In the UK, about 40 percent are the result of road accidents, the rest are mostly sports-related, notably riding, motor racing, and swimming,'' said Mr.

Walden. He pointed out that paralysis of this kind almost inevitably means accompanying loss of sensation, sexual impairment and incontinence.

Overwhelming emotional trauma accompanies these losses.

Welcome news of an impending cure will also change the lives of those people who help the injured. Often these caregivers' lives permanently changed when a family member or friend becomes totally reliant on them.

Some time ago, Mr. Walden said that through molecular structure study of the central nervous system, researchers had discovered that nerve fibres in the peripheral nervous system could regenerate naturally. But when a back or neck was broken, for instance, it was thought that the central nervous system was unable to do this.

"But recently, our scientists discovered that, in fact, the central nervous system fibres do make an attempt to re-grow. Now, under lab conditions, they have got these fibres doing just that at a very impressive rate. They have found out what has been inhibiting their growth and are finding methods to help that growth along. They are now quite confident that these fibres can be re-connected.'' As the ISRT depends entirely on voluntary donations, the "when'' of a cure will come when the project is fully funded. Since Mr. Walden became the trust's director, more than 4 million has been raised: "We think we need about 15 million to bring the work to a point where the process can be used clinically. We have already attained spectacular results in laboratory conditions.'' Although ISRT is British-based and spearheading the European research effort, it also provides a forum for a world-wide exchange of knowledge. This is the reason, says Mr. Walden, that Bermuda was chosen as the conference site.

"We have so many eminent (and very busy) scientists from the USA that Bermuda seemed to be a good mid-way point.'' Their last conference, three years ago, was held in Bermuda and it was then that the Biological Station (BBSR) expressed interest in hosting this year's event.

Biological Station Director Dr. Tony Knap says that the decision to hold this important conference at the Biological Station reflects the new direction that some of their work is now taking.

"It fits in very well. Dr. Hank Rosenthal, who joined us earlier this year, researches aspects of molecular and cellular marine biology which have potential medical implications, so he has given us a tool-box of new dimensions and techniques,'' said Dr. Knap. Dr. Rosenthal is likely to take part in the conference.

Dr. Knap notes that, as scientific frontiers broaden, and one branch of science may merge with another, he sees BBSR also taking on an expanded role in hosting international conferences: "Our role here widens all the time. We have already been doing research in areas relating to molecular biology -- studying how migrating fish, for instance, are not affected by pressure, and how they have made a fascinating adaptation over history to do that. We have also been studying eels, which also have a lot of similarities to the human nervous system.'' Mr. Walden says the decision to hold the conference at the Biological Station is especially relevant for an organisation that prides itself on spending money on research rather than administration.

"It really is the ideal place, a great atmosphere, not lavish, which is OK as we are not in the business of wining and dining at other people's expense. On the other hand, it's great to be amongst other scientists who are extremely sympathetic to the work we are trying to do.'' He says he is also gratified by the welcome he and the work of his Trust in general has received in Bermuda.

"People are so anxious to help us reach our goal. Lady Waddington has agreed to be the patron of the conference and is taking a very active interest.

Richie Gorham is raising funds to defray costs and we're also getting great support from Donald Lines, Walter Maddocks, Chris Trott of Hand Arnold, and Bob Stewart of Shell Oil, to name but a few,'' he said.

Mr. Walden said that the ISRT was convinced that the international conference is "absolutely essential, so that research is not duplicated, and it ensures that cross-fertilisation of ideas remains strong. But if we could meet at least part of the cost of the conference from other sources, that money could go towards the research. This conference will charter the strategy of the work that remains to be done''.

To demonstrate how close success is, Mr. Walden referred to the Chairman of the ISRT Trustees, Dr. Hans Frankel, who has spent the last 35 years treating patients at the world-famous National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England. "He is really in the process of closing down his hospital -- or soon will be!'' International Spinal Research Trust Director Ian Walden.