Investigating a common gene in three very different species—salamanders, mice and zebrafish—scientists have discovered the potential for a novel gene therapy aimed at eventually regrowing limbs in humans, according to new research published this week.

  • Onomatopoeia@lemmy.cafe
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    16 days ago

    I can’t imagine how painful it would be to regrow a limb.

    Not to say this isn’t incredible research, and getting a limb back would be great.

    • ExtremeDullard@piefed.socialOPM
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      16 days ago

      It can’t be worse than losing one.

      And for many amputees, growing a new limb could stop debilitating phantom limb pain. It would definitely be worth enduring a few months of extra pain while the limb regrows to stop phantom limb pain forever.

        • ExtremeDullard@piefed.socialOPM
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          16 days ago

          I’m guessing it would feel like when your leg or your arm falls asleep and it wakes up. The sudden onrush of signals from nerves that the brain got accustomed to being silent is interpreted as pain, until your brain readjusts.

          I guess… It’s hypothetical. But even if it hurt like a mofo, I would jump at a chance to regrow my missing bits.

  • Makeitstop@lemmy.world
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    16 days ago

    Just hope they figure out that irradiated spider research first, because otherwise we’re all fucked.

  • werty@sh.itjust.works
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    16 days ago

    This would lead to at least one man cutting his own dick off in hopes of growing a bigger one. I guarantee it.