this post was submitted on 18 Jun 2025
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"In a study published in Nature Communications, the researchers reveal an elegant molecular mechanism that acts like a GPS coordinate system for regenerating cells.... the puzzle was how the cells in the regenerating limb-stump controlled their levels so precisely to know exactly where they were on the axis from shoulder to hand.”

The Nature paper:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59497-5

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[–] CaptDust@sh.itjust.works 43 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Woah, fascinating. Of course very far out, but manipulating and regenerating human limbs in a similar way would be serious sci-fi stuff. Just impressive

[–] Sibbo@sopuli.xyz 19 points 1 year ago (6 children)

Not that I would be an expert, but limbs start forming so early on in the womb, that that will probably be a very difficult thing to do. Nevertheless, never say never.

[–] FartMaster69@lemmy.dbzer0.com 16 points 1 year ago (1 children)

just put people back in for repairs

[–] Lumisal@lemmy.world 5 points 1 year ago

Now's a good time to point out that the first organ transplant happened in the 1950s, and it hasn't been even 80 years since, meaning there are not only people alive who remember a time when that didn't exist, but also there are surgeons who may only be in their early 40s that became transplant surgeons while the first ever transplant surgeon was still alive, and may have even gotten tutelage from him.

[–] slaacaa@lemmy.world 5 points 1 year ago (2 children)

How it could work in a future: they pre-grow limbs in labs for a few months/yearst, then when somebody needs it, they attach one that matches closely. After that, you get the treatment and the limb continues growing until it reaches the size needed.

[–] Sibbo@sopuli.xyz 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Imagine running around with a child arm for a year or so.

[–] sylver_dragon@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Compared to no arm for the rest of my life, being called "baby-hand" for a year seems like a small price to pay.

[–] Sibbo@sopuli.xyz 3 points 1 year ago

True. It would probably be funny.

[–] gnuplusmatt@reddthat.com 1 points 1 year ago

Isn't that a Michael Bay film?

[–] snipon@feddit.dk 2 points 1 year ago

Come on, it will only take 20 years.

[–] Rolder@reddthat.com 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Hmm, I think I’d rather have a cool cyberpunk robot limb then just regrowing my shitty old flesh and blood one

[–] Sibbo@sopuli.xyz 2 points 1 year ago

With a built-in ice cream freezer!