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Title: Scientists Identify Gene Involved In Stem Cell Self-renewal in Planaria Post by: Damien on August 08, 2006, 01:37:20 AM Quote No matter how you slice it, the freshwater planarian possesses an amazing ability to regenerate lost body parts. Chop one into pieces, and each piece can grow into a complete planarian. The flatworm relies upon a population of stem cells to accomplish this remarkable feat; recent work sheds light on how planarians maintain these stem cells throughout their lives. Are you thinking what I am thinking? The possibility of engineering a similar response in human stem cells (not embryonic, but ones already there), whereby conditions such as multiple sclerosis, paraplegia etc can be rectified. But, caution, even though they have identified this gene - what could be other effects of any form stem cell manipulation. The human liver can naturally regenerate, Quote the liver is the only organ in the body that can regenerate itself.- Read further about the liver (http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthinformation/otherhealthtopics/LiverBiliaryPancreaticDis4540/TheLiverAnatomyandFunctio4542/) |