
CrowdScience
Can my body regenerate?
Aug 30, 2024
Kelly, a curious listener, ignited a quest into human regeneration after questioning if our tongues can regrow. Joined by Dr. Elly Tanaka, an expert on axolotls—the amphibians renowned for regrowing limbs—they explore why humans lag behind in regeneration. The conversation dives into the evolutionary origins of regenerative abilities, potential dormant genes in humans, and innovative lab-grown heart organoids. Kelly even showcases her new axolotl tattoo, symbolizing this fascinating journey into the limits and possibilities of bodily regeneration.
31:33
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Quick takeaways
- Axolotls possess extraordinary regenerative abilities, enabling them to regrow limbs and organs, providing insights into potential human medical advancements.
- While humans exhibit limited regeneration primarily through cellular turnover, understanding the evolutionary origins of these abilities could unlock new therapeutic possibilities.
Deep dives
The Regenerative Marvel of Axolotls
Axolotls, a unique species of salamander, exhibit remarkable regenerative abilities, allowing them to regrow lost limbs and even internal organs. Unlike humans, whose regenerative capabilities are severely limited, axolotls can replace body parts following injury, with regeneration occurring at a molecular level. When an axolotl loses a limb, the wound heals quickly, and specific cells known as fibroblasts revert to a stem cell-like state, enabling them to become the precise cells needed for regeneration. This intricate process highlights the axolotl's potential as a key area of study for regenerative medicine, showcasing biological mechanisms that could inspire future treatments for human injuries.
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