Could Stem Cells Regrow Limbs?

Could Stem Cells Regrow Limbs?

Growing an entire limb
There are adult stem cells, a kind of undifferentiated cell that can become specialized, that regenerate muscle, but they don't seem to activate. "You can regenerate blood vessels and even nerves," Gardiner said. "But the whole arm can't [regrow]."

Is it possible to regrow limbs?

Although human beings aren't able to regrow missing limbs, there are several creatures who can accomplish this amazing feat. For example, newts and salamanders can regrow missing limbs, such as arms and legs. Lizards, such as skinks, can regrow missing tails. Starfish can regenerate missing arms.

Can regrow lost or damaged limbs?

We can regrow fingertips, muscle, liver tissue and, to a certain extent, skin. But for larger structures like limbs, our regeneration music falls apart. Human bodies take days to form skin over an injury, and without the crucial wound epithelium, our hopes for regeneration are dashed before it even starts.

Sarah Jenkins
Author

Sarah Jenkins

Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.