Could this creature hold the future of regenerative medicine?

Thanks to a team of Australian scientists, we're a step closer to harnessing the power of stem cells for regenerative medicine.

Thanks to a team of scientists from UWA and Monash University, researchers are a step closer to understanding how mature cells (such as skin cells, brain cells or blood cells) can be reprogrammed back into stem cells in the laboratory.

"By understanding how the reprogramming process works, we gain a better understanding of how to manipulate cells for use in the field of regenerative medicine," says Professor Ryan Lister of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.

That's right—stem cells may be used in medical treatments for diseases such as neurological or degenerative diseases and even physical injuries such as burns.

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The axolotl also known as a Mexican salamander (Ambystoma mexicanum) or a Mexican walking fish, is a neotenic salamander, closely related to the tiger salamander. Although the axolotl is colloquially known as a "walking fish", it is not a fish, but an amphibian.

The species originates from numerous lakes, such as Lake Xochimilco underlying Mexico City] Axolotls are unusual among amphibians in that they reach adulthood without undergoing metamorphosis. Instead of developing lungs and taking to the land, adults remain aquatic and gilled.

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Meet the Axolotl, a Mexican Salamander that scientists and the internet alike love for their amazing ability to regenerate limbs.

 

Sounds promising. Think how many that would help in time.

Impressive.

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