Salamander People

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Salamander People

Human limb regeneration could be rebranded axolotl tricks. Researchers discovered how the beloved creature knows what and where to regrow.

• Axolotl = salamander with remarkable regeneration ability

• Gradient chemical signals helped map tissue identity

• Retinoic acid tells cells where they are in the body

Blocking these signals disrupted limb regrowth, suggesting vertebrate regeneration requires combining positional memory and localized cues. Further research could lead to human regeneration after traumatic injuries. Or let us grow axolotl hair.

Axolotl gardens

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