breakthrough gene discovery in salamanders, fish, and mice could one day help humans regrow lost limbs.

Date: May 9, 2026

Source: Wake Forest University

By studying axolotls, zebrafish, and mice, scientists identified a shared group of genes called SP genes, which may one day enable humans to regenerate lost limbs. Disabling these genes halted bone regrowth in axolotls and mice. Inspired by zebrafish biology, researchers developed a gene therapy for mice that partially restored their regenerative abilities. This finding represents an important step toward developing treatments that could replace damaged limbs with living tissue rather than prosthetics.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260508003121.htm