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Scientists Discover the Key to Axolotls’ Ability to Regenerate Limbs (www.wired.com)

submitted 1 week ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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"In a study published in Nature Communications, the researchers reveal an elegant molecular mechanism that acts like a GPS coordinate system for regenerating cells.... the puzzle was how the cells in the regenerating limb-stump controlled their levels so precisely to know exactly where they were on the axis from shoulder to hand.”

The Nature paper:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59497-5

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[–] [email protected] 43 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (13 children)

Woah, fascinating. Of course very far out, but manipulating and regenerating human limbs in a similar way would be serious sci-fi stuff. Just impressive

[–] [email protected] 19 points 1 week ago (12 children)

Not that I would be an expert, but limbs start forming so early on in the womb, that that will probably be a very difficult thing to do. Nevertheless, never say never.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 6 days ago (4 children)

How it could work in a future: they pre-grow limbs in labs for a few months/yearst, then when somebody needs it, they attach one that matches closely. After that, you get the treatment and the limb continues growing until it reaches the size needed.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Imagine running around with a child arm for a year or so.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Compared to no arm for the rest of my life, being called "baby-hand" for a year seems like a small price to pay.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 days ago

True. It would probably be funny.

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