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By observing how the cells in the zebrafish's skin responded to injury, the Duke team learned a lot about the skin regeneration process and were surprised by its complexity. They saw that in the hours following a fin amputation, for example, zebrafish regenerated skin through three different mechanisms: the "recruitment" of spare skin cells from other areas, a temporary doubling in size in some pre-existing cells, and the creation of completely new cells.

Salamanders' immune systems are key to their remarkable ability to regrow limbs, and could also underpin their ability to regenerate spinal cords, brain tissue and even parts of their hearts, scientists have found.

In order to improve the surgical outcome of these procedures and enhance patient quality of life, new and better tools are needed for esophageal reconstruction. Biostage is working on a new regenerative technology to address esophageal cancer through their pioneer Cellframe Technology. Two weeks before the surgery, stem cells are harvested from patient abdominal adipose tissue and allowed to incubate with a biocompatible esophageal implant. These cells interact and adhere to the implant and are able to respond to signals for regeneration once inside the patient, potentially restoring both the structural and functional integrity of the esophagus. These new approaches to organ implants could revolutionize resectional surgery by providing patients with functional replacements derived from their own cells.

4 min We tend to think of blindness as something you're born with, but with certain genetic diseases, it can actually develop when you're a kid, or even when you're an adult. But could blind eyes possibly regenerate? David Davila explains how the zebrafish's amazing regenerative retinas are causing scientists to investigate that very question.

Starfish can regrow lost arms, and salamanders can sprout new limbs. So why can't we? Sci Show explains the science of regeneration, and explores the limitations the humans face -- and are trying to go beyond.

A mini-documentary discussing the remarkable regenerative capabilities of the planarian, and how HHMI researcher Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado uses them to study the biology of stem cells.

Damaged leg muscles grew stronger and showed signs of regeneration in three out of five men whose old injuries were surgically implanted with extracellular matrix derived from pig bladder, according to a new study. Early findings are from a human trial of the process as well as from animal studies.

3:45 video You might be under the impression that young blood is the fountain of youth. A number of studies conducted in older mice (and, once, humans) over the past 10 years have shown benefits from transfusions of young blood, or parabiosis, restoring cognitive function or regenerating muscles.

The elusive octopus genome has finally been untangled, which should allow scientists to discover answers to long-mysterious questions about the animal's alienlike physiology: How does it camouflage itself so expertly? How does it control-and regenerate-those eight flexible arms and thousands of suckers? And, most vexing: How did a relative of the snail get to be so incredibly smart-able to learn quickly, solve puzzles and even use tools?

Off with their heads. Light-averse planarian flatworms, known for their incredible ability to regenerate lost body parts, shy away from light even after they have been decapitated. This suggests they have evolved a second way to respond to light that doesn't involve eyes. Planarian flatworms, which often live in dark, watery environments shielded from direct light, don't have complex eyes like we do. But many do have two lensless, primitive "eyespots" on their heads that can detect the intensity of light.

Why do we smell different when we're sick? Why does cheese smell like feet? Why don't vultures get sick from eating rotting meat? Science is filled with stories: some of them are beautiful and some of them are gross. Really gross. Gross Science, a YouTube series hosted by Anna Rothschild, tells bizarre stories from the slimy, smelly, creepy world of science. In this collection, you'll find original short-form videos and DIY experiments from Gross Science, which is produced by NOVA and PBS Digital Studios. Learn about amphibians that eat their mother's skin, strange uses for bacon, how poop can be used to cure an infection, and more gross science topics.

Ability to grow back fingertips in kids!

4 min video While humans are working on robotic arms and new limb technology, some animals can regrow their limbs on their own. How do they do this?

Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies, with a surface area of about 20 square feet in adults. When we are cut or wounded, our skin begins to repair itself through a complex, well-coordinated process. Sarthak Sinha takes us past the epidermis and into the dermis to investigate this regenerative response.