Scientists study how salamanders and zebrafish regenerate limbs and organs
Researchers explain the biological differences between human scarring and the limb regeneration seen in salamanders and zebrafish.
Human bodies heal with scars
When a person suffers severe injury like losing a hand, the body works to close the wound quickly. This process prevents infection but results in a scar instead of new tissue growth. The human body cannot activate a cellular program to rebuild missing parts after such damage.
Salamanders grow complete new limbs
Salamanders are known champions of regeneration because they can regrow lost legs with full structures. These animals rebuild bones, nerves, blood vessels, and muscles to replace the missing limb entirely. Their bodies go further than humans by activating a specific molecular program after injury.
Fish repair heart and brain
Zebrafish can regenerate injured fins as well as damaged parts of their hearts and brains. These small striped fish serve as models for scientists studying human diseases. Unlike humans, they produce new cells to help rebuild tissue after organ damage.
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