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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[–] Sibbo@sopuli.xyz 19 points 1 day 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.

[–] Lumisal@lemmy.world 4 points 16 hours 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.

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

just put people back in for repairs

[–] slaacaa@lemmy.world 5 points 21 hours 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 20 hours ago (1 children)

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

[–] sylver_dragon@lemmy.world 4 points 18 hours 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 17 hours ago

True. It would probably be funny.

[–] gnuplusmatt@reddthat.com 1 points 19 hours ago

Isn't that a Michael Bay film?

[–] snipon@feddit.dk 2 points 22 hours ago

Come on, it will only take 20 years.

[–] Rolder@reddthat.com 2 points 23 hours 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 21 hours ago

With a built-in ice cream freezer!