- Mammals usually cannot regrow lost limbs naturally.
- Some animals can regrow whole limbs, such as salamanders.
- Researchers at a university found a new two-step treatment.
- The team used two different growth signals after healing.
- First the treatment made a special healing tissue layer.
- Later it helped cells build new bone and joints.
- The treatment also formed tendon and ligament tissue.
- They did not need to add stem cells.
- This method may reduce scarring after injury.
Difficult words
- regrow — Grow again after being lost or removed
- limb — An arm or leg of an animallimbs
- salamander — A small amphibian that can regrow limbssalamanders
- treatment — A medical method to help the body heal
- tendon — Tough tissue that connects muscle to bone
- ligament — Strong tissue that connects bone to bone
- scarring — Marks left on the body after healing
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever had an injury?
- Would you want a treatment that reduces scarring?
- Do you know any animal that can regrow a limb?
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