When Lee Spievack sliced off the end of his finger a few years ago, his brother sent him some powder to sprinkle on it. In four weeks, his fingertip had grown back! Dr. Steven Badylak explains:
Scientists are studying the matrix to grow organs for transplant and to repair war wounds. Link -via Digg
Previously at Neatorama: Regrowing Human Limbs
That powder is a substance made from pig bladders called extracellular matrix. It is a mix of protein and connective tissue surgeons often use to repair tendons and it holds some of the secrets behind the emerging new science of regenerative medicine.
"It tells the body, start that process of tissue regrowth," said Badylak.
Badlayk is one of the many scientists who now believe every tissue in the body has cells which are capable of regeneration. All scientists have to do is find enough of those cells and "direct" them to grow.
"Somehow the matrix summons the cells and tell them what to do," Badylak explained. "It helps instruct them in terms of where they need to go, how they need to differentiate - should I become a blood vessel, a nerve, a muscle cell or whatever."
Scientists are studying the matrix to grow organs for transplant and to repair war wounds. Link -via Digg
Previously at Neatorama: Regrowing Human Limbs
Any finger amputation from fingertip to the distal joint (the first bend after the fingertip) has the capability of regenerating all by its little lonesome; no pig protein or bacon required. This includes nerves, nailbed, nail; only the fingerprint may be beyond repair.
And nobody knew this before now?