Lost Limbs and Flatworms

There is an 'ick' factor here ... but it is interesting research.

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Excerpt

Rowan Hooper
May 3, 2005
Wired News

Scientists have for the first time completed a survey of gene function in a
highly regenerative species of worm that could offer important insights into
cell regrowth in humans.

Putting the abilities of Wolverine in the movie X-Men to shame, a small
piece of a planarian worm can regenerate an entire new body. The worm's
ability to regenerate is so powerful that a tissue fragment only 1/279 of
the worm's length can grow into a new animal.

"This study introduces the possibility of carrying out systematic gene
function studies in an organism that traditionally has not been accessible
to genetics," said Sánchez Alvarado. "The importance of this advance lies
in the biological attributes displayed by planarians -- that is, abundant
adult stem cells responsible for the extensive and robust regeneration of
amputated parts, as well as the continuous renewal of differentiated
tissues (tissue homeostasis)."

It's too soon to tell whether research into planarian worms might one day let doctors regrow amputated limbs or diseased organs in people. Nevertheless, since many of the genes found in flatworms are also present in humans, scientists believe they may provide insights into how to use adult stem cells to replace diseased or damaged human tissue.

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[edit on 5/12/2005 by FlyersFan]

hopfuly this will come of age befor I die of old age .
Missing if found please call ..... Half middle right hand finger .Heavy equment accedent. Right eye .. Stabed with nife .
Reatachment of finger not possibly .transplant of cornia failed rejucted what was left of eye removed nov 23 04 .
Ps can still see out of none excistence eye realy weird.