Scientists studying axolotls in hopes of learning how to regrow limbs
With their goofy grins and feathery gills, axolotls have become stars of the pet world and video games like Minecraft.
But these small, smiling salamanders are also helping scientists explore a medical mystery: Can people someday regrow arms or legs?
Axolotls are special because they can regrow body parts no matter the age. Lose a leg? They'll grow it back. Damage to their heart, lungs or even brain? They can also repair that!
'This species is special,' lead researcher James Monaghan, a biologist at Northeastern University in Boston, told The Washington Post. They have 'really become the champion of some extreme abilities that animals have.'
In a new study -- published Tuesday in Nature Communications -- Monaghan's team used genetically engineered axolotls that glow in the dark to learn how this amazing process works.
One mystery in limb regrowth is how cells 'know' which part of the limb to rebuild. If an axolotl loses its upper arm, it grows back the entire arm. But if the injury is farther down, only the lower arm and hand regrow.
'Salamanders have been famous for their ability to regenerate arms for centuries,' Monaghan said. 'One of the outstanding questions that has really plagued the field is how a salamander knows what to grow back.'
The answer may be a small molecule called retinoic acid. It's related to vitamin A and often used in skin-care products under the name retinol.
The molecule acts like a GPS, helping cells know where they are on the body and what part to rebuild.
Monaghan's team worked with axolotls that were genetically engineered to glow when retinoic acid was active. Then, they amputated limbs -- after giving the animals anesthesia -- and tracked their health, The Post reported.
Monaghan said researchers monitored their health closely.
'They don't show signs of pain or distress after limb amputation the way mammals might, and they regenerate fully within weeks,' he said.
When axolotls were given a drug that blocked the breakdown of retinoic acid, their limbs didn't regrow right -- an upper arm would form where a lower arm should be. Axolotls not given the drug regrew their limbs normally.
This suggests that retinoic acid tells cells where they are and what part to grow. Higher levels of the acid seem to signal a spot closer to the body's center, according to The Post.
'While we are still far from regenerating human limbs, this study is a step in that direction,' said Prayag Murawala, a researcher at MDI Biological Laboratory in Maine, who helped make the glowing axolotls used in the study.
Monaghan thinks this could help humans someday.
'We all have the same genes,' he said. 'We've all made these limbs when we were embryos.'
The challenge is figuring out how to turn those same genetic blueprints back on later in life -- something axolotls can do but humans can't yet.
'It's one of the oldest questions in biology, but it's also the most futuristic-looking,' he said.
Thanks to a growing interest in axolotls, especially among kids, this unique animal is helping to drive cutting-edge science.
'It's a little surreal,' Monaghan added. 'You just see axolotls at the airport, axolotls at the mall. My kids are coming home with axolotl toys all the time, because people know what I do.'
More information
The San Diego Zoo has more on axolotls.
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However, Garteberg has pointed to research that indicated that medium firm mattresses resulted in the most symptom relief. The correct amount of support will depend on whether you're a side, back, or stomach sleeper. Motion Isolation: A solid mattress should provide movement isolation, so individual sleepers aren't affected by their tossing and turning, a partner's movement, or a pet jumping on the bed. People with back pain may be more affected by movement, which is why it's important to look for a sturdy, balanced bed. A solid mattress should provide movement isolation, so individual sleepers aren't affected by their tossing and turning, a partner's movement, or a pet jumping on the bed. People with back pain may be more affected by movement, which is why it's important to look for a sturdy, balanced bed. Sleep Trial and Warranty: Finding a mattress with a reasonable sleep trial and warranty program is important, regardless of how you sleep or whether you suffer from back pain. However, people with certain conditions and chronic pain should expect that it can take time to adjust to a new mattress, and decide whether it's the right choice for their needs. Finding a mattress with a reasonable sleep trial and warranty program is important, regardless of how you sleep or whether you suffer from back pain. However, people with certain conditions and chronic pain should expect that it can take time to adjust to a new mattress, and decide whether it's the right choice for their needs. Price: Per our research and testing, mattresses that were designed specifically for back pain tend to be a bit more expensive than your typical bed. Many models were between the $1,000 – $2,000 range. While these mattresses are more of an investment, it's important to consider the impact they can have on your sleep quality and daily life, especially when dealing with pain. Best mattresses for back pain FAQs The Post consulted Daniel Gartenberg, CEO of SleepSpace and Chief Sleep Scientist at and MDbiowellness. Why is it important to get good sleep? 'Poor sleep is related to every chronic health disease,' shared Gartenberg. 'Yet, our medical system is horribly broken when it comes to solving this public health crisis. If you have a serious sleep issue, the right bed won't necessarily fix that, but it could be an important component to getting you on the right track to better sleep health.' How to find the best mattress if you have back pain? According to Gartenberg, picking the right bed is a challenge because there isn't data that clearly shows how a specific mattress improves different types of people's sleep. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but when it comes to alleviating back pain, there are some materials to look for. 'Memory Foam and latex are similar in that they can provide more support and contour for your body. Latex is somewhat better at temperature regulation because the material is more porous. Innersprings are beneficial because they [disperse] heat through the cavity around the spring, but they can provide less support. For these reasons, often the best option is a hybrid mattress with latex,' Gartenberg noted. Which type of mattress is best for back pain and sciatica? According to Gartenberg, there are a few reasons why you may be experiencing back pain on a new mattress. Sciatica and generalized back pain are common reasons why someone may be looking for a special mattress, but there are other conditions that could also benefit from additional sleep support. 'Sciatica, hip replacement surgery, pregnancy, obesity, pinched nerves, herniated disk, scoliosis, muscle strains, osteoarthritis, and more,' he explained. While many people think a firm mattress is the answer to back pain, Gartenberg generally recommends a mattress with a medium-firm feel. 'In a recent randomized controlled trial comparing firm mattresses to medium firm mattresses, medium firm mattresses actually resulted in less reported back pain at wake-up and during the daytime. These findings were also confirmed in a large meta-analysis.' Why does my back hurt on my new mattress? There are many reasons why your back may hurt on a new mattress. For some, it's a matter of adjusting to your new bed. Discomfort could also reveal other issues, such as underlying conditions or injuries. It's always important to discuss back pain with a Doctor, especially if it persists. According to Gartenberg, sleep position and poor posture can also cause back pain. Generally, experts recommend sleeping on your back or side. For side sleepers, Gartenberg suggests hugging a large pillow or placing a pillow between your legs to keep your spine aligned. 'Sleeping on your stomach can negatively impact your spine by putting it out of alignment, especially the lumbar region, and causing neck strain,' he explained. 'It can lead to increased pressure on the spine's muscles and joints, potentially resulting in back, neck, and shoulder pain,' he shared. How often should you replace your mattress? 'Another major factor here is how often you get a new mattress,' explained Gartenberg. 'My wife and I were running close to 10 years on our old mattress, so we really felt the difference when we got a new one.' Generally, a mattress should be replaced between six and 10 years. But, there are a few considerations to keep in mind if you're looking to keep your mattress. 'Another hack to extend the life of your mattress is to rotate it around every six months or so to even out the body pressure it takes every night.' 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