Regrowing Human Limbs

Salamanders can regrow limbs after they are torn off; why can’t humans do the same?
Many years ago studies in the laboratory of our colleague Susan V. Bryant at the University of California, Irvine, demonstrated that the cells in the blastema are equivalent to the cells in the developing limb bud of the salamander embryo. This discovery suggested that the construction of a limb by the blastema is essentially a recapitulation of the limb formation that took place during the animal’s original development. An important implication of this insight was that the same genetic program is involved in both situations, and because humans make limbs as embryos, in principle we should already have the necessary programming to regenerate them as adults, too. It seemed, therefore, that all scientists needed to do was figure out how to induce an amputated limb to form a blastema.

The April issue of Scientific American looks at research that may one day lead to self-regeneration of human body parts. Link -via Digg

(image credit: Aaron Goodman)

Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

I dont think this is a joke, sounds promising to me. I am awaiting kidney it would be a life-changing expirence if they could grow me a kidney. I am sure others on hemo-dialysis would agree hopefully if the pro's are greater than the con's. I am hoping that this will be a medical breakthroug for the thousands on dialysis.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"Regrowing Human Limbs"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More