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For regrowing human limbs, this salamander gene could hold the key (phys.org)
submitted 4 months ago by [M] to c/amputee@piefed.social
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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.

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[–] [S] 7 points 4 months ago (1 child)

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.

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  • [–] 1 point 3 months ago (1 child)

    why would it be painful?

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  • [–] [S] 1 point 3 months 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.

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