Lizards and tadpoles can regenerate lost limbs – so why can't we? Biologist Michael Levin wants to use bioelectricity to do just that
You are working on ways to regrow body parts. Can many species naturally regenerate limbs?
A number of animals can regrow lost limbs. If a predator catches a lizard by the tail, for example, it will often end up with just the tail as the lizard scurries off. To escape, lizards can shed their tails on purpose, and they also have a remarkable ability to regrow them.
Some insects, such as cockroaches, can regenerate their legs, as can salamanders, starfish and lobsters. Zebrafish fins are also a popular model of regeneration, since they regrow after amputation. Interestingly, zebrafish also have a limited capacity to regenerate their hearts. Deer regenerate their antlers – regrowing huge amounts of bone, nerve and skin every year.
When something is regenerated, is ...
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