Minor cuts and scrapes usually heal in time, but losing a finger or a whole limb? For most vertebrates, that’s a done deal.
Unless, of course, you’ve got the self-healing machinery of an axolotl.
These unusually resilient and famously photogenic aquatic salamanders — native to Mexico — can regenerate parts of their bodies, including limbs, eyes and even bits of their brain! With their frilly pink gills and heartwarming smile, they’re always camera-ready — even if they have to regrow an appendage or two first.
Axolotls are also the Peter Pans of the amphibian class. Like the fictional boy who never wanted to grow up, they skip the transitional stage that ushers most of their counterparts into adulthood on land and remain in tadpole form forever. While they don’t have to worry about aging, certain diseases — as well as predators — do catch up with them in time. Most live about 10 to 15 years.
So why do axolotls — these very charismatic creatures — regrow a limb, whereas humans just undergo wound healing? And how is it that most organisms go through aging while a lucky few get to press a pause button?
Read more at Northeastern Global News
Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University
