Mighty Mice
Genetically altered mice discovered accidentally at the Wistar Institute in Pennsylvania have the seemingly miraculous ability to regenerate like a salamander, and even regrow vital organs.
Researchers systematically amputated digits and damaged various organs of the mice, including the heart, liver and brain, most of which grew back.
The results stunned scientists because if such regeneration is possible in this mammal, it might also be possible in humans.
The researchers also made a remarkable second discovery: When cells from the regenerative mice were injected into normal mice, the normal mice adopted the ability to regenerate. And when the special mice bred with normal mice, their offspring inherited souped-up regeneration capabilities.
The mice, known as the MRL strain, were genetically engineered and inbred to develop lupus. But researchers don’t know why exactly the animals’ injuries heal so well.
wired
This research no doubt offends both the Animal Liberation Front and Human Genetics Alert. To say nothing of the one group which has carried the anti-human and anti-science line of thought to its penultimate conclusion, the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement.
Posted on September 30th, 2005 by pwyll
Filed under: science
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