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Scientists Demonstrate Mammalian Tissue Regeneration

Posted by Soulskill on from the wolverine-explained dept.

telomerewhythere writes "A quest that began over a decade ago with a chance observation has reached a milestone: the identification of a gene that may regulate regeneration in mammals. The absence of this single gene, called p21, confers a healing potential in mice long thought to have been lost through evolution and reserved for creatures like flatworms, sponges, and some species of salamander. 'Unlike typical mammals, which heal wounds by forming a scar, these mice begin by forming a blastema, a structure associated with rapid cell growth and de-differentiation as seen in amphibians. According to the Wistar researchers, the loss of p21 causes the cells of these mice to behave more like embryonic stem cells than adult mammalian cells, and their findings provide solid evidence to link tissue regeneration to the control of cell division. "Much like a newt that has lost a limb, these mice will replace missing or damaged tissue with healthy tissue that lacks any sign of scarring," said the project's lead scientist.' Here is the academic paper for those with PNAS access."

12 of 260 comments (clear)

  1. So by jimbobborg · · Score: 4, Funny

    We can all be Wolverine now? Cool!

    1. Re:So by Monkeedude1212 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Minus the Claws. And the Adamantite interior. And the Rugged good looks - in your case, anyways.

    2. Re:So by K.+S.+Kyosuke · · Score: 4, Funny

      And be wary that this rather serious matter may take a tumorous twist.

      --
      Ezekiel 23:20
    3. Re:So by natehoy · · Score: 3, Funny

      I heard you were looking for some, so I went back in time and destroyed them all on this planet.

      Lovingly yours,
        - The Master

      --
      "This post contains words, known to the State of California to cause thought. Wash brain thoroughly after reading."
  2. Now I can finally start my restaurant... by Culture20 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now I can finally start my restaurant (which specializes in mouse-tail delicacies) without PETA breathing down my neck. "Look: it's growing back!" Mouse-tail soup anyone?

    1. Re:Now I can finally start my restaurant... by Hatta · · Score: 5, Funny

      I think instead that it was cats who domesticated humans.

      --
      Give me Classic Slashdot or give me death!
    2. Re:Now I can finally start my restaurant... by HornWumpus · · Score: 4, Funny

      The cat the lives in my house has owners.

      My dogs.

      I feed the 'orange devil' though.

      The girl Lab thinks the little fucker is her baby. So does the cat. Lets her lick him clean like a new mama dog.

      The cat and the German shepherd play a game with the other neighborhood cats. The cat picks a fight then 'runs like a Frenchman' back to my yard where the dog pounces on the neighbor cat. Repeat.

      Might be a problem if he didn't knows cats are way more fun to chase then they are to catch.

      --
      John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
  3. Re:Degeneration by protodevilin · · Score: 3, Funny

    Then I hope it doesn't involve having to amputate the penis first.

  4. Re:It will be interesting to see... by AioKits · · Score: 4, Funny

    Remember, you are not a newt.

    I got better...

    --
    "Quote me as saying I was mis-quoted." -Groucho Marx
  5. Re:Be careful when fooling Mother Nature by lawpoop · · Score: 4, Funny

    Darwinism is cruel... Nature does things for a reason.

    Narture wants to be anthropomorphized ;)

    It nature is so cruel and barbaric, then for what reason did it evolve human beings who feel sympathy, empathy, are able to learn, and practice healing arts?

    --
    Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
    -- Pablo Picasso
  6. I have access to a PNAS... by zero_out · · Score: 4, Funny

    Here is the academic paper for those with PNAS access.

    I have access to a PNAS. Sometimes I let my wife have access to it, too.

  7. Re:caveat by rockNme2349 · · Score: 3, Funny

    there are logistical, economic and public relations issues with trying to keep hundreds of chimpanzees in order to punch holes in their ears.

    Ahh, high school...

    --
    Sewage Treatment Facilities - "Our duty is clear."