Scientists discover mammal capable of reconstructing body parts

According to a report published by ars technica, a group of scientists has found that a genus of African mice - the Acomys - is capable of regenerating their own skin, cartilage, glands and even hair without any further scarring. later in a trait never seen before in any other mammal.

Apparently, as with some reptiles, African rats amputate parts of their bodies as a defense mechanism to escape their predators, possessing a rather brittle type of skin that simply loosens upon being bitten and then recovers unmarked.

Gecko mouse

The researchers compare the amazing regenerative capacity of these animals to that of some salamanders, lizards and geckos, because although some rodents are able to reconstruct parts of their tails, no mammal has ever shown such extensive regeneration as the Acomys .

Scientists believe this incredible ability is probably not an evolutionary trait, but a genetic trait present in all mammals that for some reason is "dormant." The goal of the researchers is to find out how the mice were able to awaken this ability and perhaps find a way to induce the human body to regenerate as well.

Scientists hope that by understanding how the regenerative process in African mice works, they can develop new treatments that will treat wounds more efficiently and perhaps even create amputated limb regeneration therapies for humans.

Sources: ars technica and nature