The process is limited compared with the regenerative powers of amphibians, but the two share many features, from the molecules that are involved to the fact that nerves are necessary. However, the cells can do so only if sufficient nail epithelium - the tissue that lies immediately below the nail - remains. Working with mice, researchers led by Mayumi Ito at New York University have identified a population of stem cells lying beneath the base of the nail that can orchestrate the restoration of a partially amputated digit. But why is the nail important, and why can’t a finger grow back without it? A new study provides an answer to this longstanding mystery. Later, we discovered that mice have the same ability. (Note: please don’t do that.)īut back in the 1970s, scientists showed that children can sometimes regrow the tip of an amputated finger, as long as there’s a bit of nail left over and the wound isn’t stitched up.
If you cut off my arm, it won’t grow back.
If a salamander or newt loses its leg, it can just grow another one.
