Antlers as a Path to Organ Regrowth
(From Medical News Today). A vast range of fascinating adaptations to the biochemistry of healing and growth can be found in the animal kingdom. Some scientists are trying to bring lizard-like regenerative capabilities to humans, while others have found a possibly shorter path to useful medical technology: "Many lower animals such as newts can renew damaged parts of their bodies but antler growth is the only [natural] example of mammals being able to regrow large complex organs. ... The research suggests that unlike the regenerative process in the newt, antler growth does not involve reversal of the differentiated state but is stem cell based. ... If we can understand how deer have adapted the normal means of development, cell renewal and repair to redevelop a complete organ, it may be possible to achieve the same outcome in damaged human tissues."
Link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=36174