Biologists have regrown the amputated legs of the frog. Maybe people can do that too.

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A team of US and Canadian biologists have learned how to regenerate anamputated frog leg. Scientists hope that in the future, their technology will allow humans to recover their lost limbs.

For regeneration, the stump was covered with silicone and spider silk containing hydrogel containing a signaling protein cocktail. It acts on the genetic code, preventing connective tissue from closing wounds and activating repair mechanisms that disappear with age. Tadpoles can grow their limbs perfectly, but adults lack this ability.

In the experiment, 115 frogs were divided into three groups. The first had a cap with a cocktail, the second had an empty cap, and the third had nothing. In 18 months, the amputation site was simply overgrown with the second and third groups of frogs, while the first group of individuals grew full-fledged legs with bones, blood vessels, and nerves. They fully moved and felt touch.

The limbs were slightly smaller than the original ones, and the fingers were not so clearly formed. However, this may be due to the cap being removed too early. It is possible that the paws would have continued to form further.

The human body also has the ability to regenerate in childhood. For example, it can re-grow its fingertips. Biologists believe that their cocktails can be used by humans to recover lost arms and legs.

Source:

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scia

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3 thoughts on “Biologists have regrown the amputated legs of the frog. Maybe people can do that too.

  1. 46343 says:

    I want to believe that this process will also be possible in humans, unfortunately, I think we are still many decades away from perfectly reconstructing bones muscles, and other tissues that our body has. But perhaps I’m wrong in which case all the robotic limbs will become obsolete.

  2. 46349 says:

    In my opinion that is a really progressive and interesting technology. It gives a hope for people that were born with missing limbs, that in the near future they will be able to experience life in its full form ?.

  3. 46508 says:

    Thats really Sci- Fi like. As far as i know leaver can regenerate in some way, but regenerating a leg seems like another world. I hope this techology will thrive and grow. Some of the war refugees could be finally healed! I think it also might help people who were b orn with disability. I keep my fingers crossed for the better!

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