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In considering anosognosia and phantom limbs, I agree that “it seems like the cable that connects sensory input to internal representation is broken.” After reflecting on this idea, I did a little research to find out how broken cables can be fixed. A group from MIT, directed by Dr. Yi Zhang is currently working on axon regeneration through the study of the central nervous system in the optic tract of hamsters. Yi Zhang's research activity focuses on the molecular mechanisms of CNS injury and axonal regeneration and developing strategies for the repair of CNS injury. She is particularly interested in the involvement of cell adhesion molecules in the reconstruction and remodelling following the lesion to the nervous system and using gene-targeting techniques to explore the therapeutic value of cell adhesion molecules in promoting neuronal plasticity and axonal regeneration in the nervous system. In recent years, she has concentrated on the studies on how polysialic acid, a post-translational modification of NCAM, regulates neuronal plasticity, cell migration, axonal guidance and targeting. She has also been engrossed in genetic modification of Schwann cells for cell-based therapy to promote the repair of injured spinal cord and peripheral nerves.