Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Newts which Regrow their Hearts: Max Planck scientists reveal the molecular details of regeneration in newts

Source: Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research
Date: December 5, 2006

Summary:

When a newt loses a limb, the limb regrows. What is more, a newt can also completely repair damage to its heart. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim have now started to decode the cellular mechanisms in this impressive ability to regenerate and have discovered the remarkable plasticity of newt heart cells. As mammals, and therefore also humans, do not have this ability, the findings could contribute to new cell therapies for patients with damaged organs.

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