Researchers at the Harvard Medical School, have published a paper in the Journal of Neuroscience, that describes the regeneration of optic nerves.
Although the research describes the enhancing and reproduction of nerves, it is closer to finding a way to re-grow nerves which could lead to cures for a wide range of conditions including blindness and paralysis. The BBC also has an article on the research.
Here are the related articles and abstracts:
1. Lens Injury Stimulates Axon Regeneration in the Mature Rat Optic Nerve –
Steven Leon, Yuqin Yin, Jennifer Nguyen, Nina Irwin, and Larry I. Benowitz.
Reference: The Journal of Neuroscience, June 15, 2000, 20(12):4615-4626
2. Counteracting the Nogo Receptor Enhances Optic Nerve Regeneration If Retinal Ganglion Cells Are in an Active Growth State – Dietmar Fischer, Zhigang He and Larry I. Benowitz.
Reference: The Journal of Neuroscience, February 18, 2004, 24(7):1646-1651