Researchers Identify Gene Involved in Regeneration

v1x writes "Researchers at the University of Utah School of Medicine have discovered that when a gene called smedwi-2 is silenced in the adult stem cells of planarians, the quarter-inch long worm is unable to carry out a biological process that has mystified scientists for centuries, regeneration."

mmm.

[Renraku]

Automatically regenerating veal.

Re:mmm.

[Bacon Bits]

This reminds me of a fantasy character in one of the many books I've read (whose name is lost on me).

There was once a goblin that had gone and eaten troll steak, and trolls are notorious for very fast regeneration. The goblin grew large and fat from having eaten the steak as it continually regenerated in his stomach and was continually being digested, but he also suffered constant pains as the steak also tried to get out.

The bobbits ;)

[Anonymous Coward]

I will bet john bobbit will be happy when this is finally perfected on humans ;-)

Cut and paste... IT'S GENIUS!

[chub_mackerel]

You're missing the point... Cut and paste the first paragraph, then wait. After a few hours, you'll have the whole article here where we can read it.

Quick splice me some!

[Anonymous Coward]

When I cut off my head, I'll have a clone!

Re:I for one...

[aussie_a]

Well I for one welcome our genetically stilted quarter-inch long worms.

Regeneration?

[Anonymous Coward]

It's okay, I guess. Quad-damage is better.

Obligatory Doctor Who reference

[Goobergunch]

So that's one of the crucial Time Lord genes....

Re:Quick splice me some!

[Anonymous Coward]

When I cut off my head, I'll have a clone!

...and a job in Sony Management!

a good old conspiracy theory

[know1]

looks like the next generation of the bilderberg group/illuminati/freemasons/real underground rulers of earth - will be immortal, thus not needing to pass down the lineage of the family line. maybe the great dark lord will end up like krang from the turtles

If only...

[bumby]

...they would find the gene for quad damage too.

Re:More intelligent animals

[Dominic Burns]

Dude - worms in Australia are 15 feet long, with massive, sharp, pointy teeth, dripping venom. No-one in Australia has lived long enough to see what happes when you cut one in half :)

Re:illusions of you

[Sam Haine '95]

you will die the same way as your grandparents.

You mean I'm going to be cut down by Cossacks?

Re:Cut/Paste?

[NicklessXed]

It regenerated.

Re:mmm.

[Spudley]

...which in turn reminds me of the old joke:

"Goblin's food is bad for his elf."

Re:illusions of you

[MooUK]

In my case, I will die of various different cancers, and also of a stroke. At the same time, I will still be alive.

Possibly needs a bit more thought, eh? :)

Hmmm....

[M45T3RS4D0W8]

I shouldn't have cut that finger off before I finished reading... :)

Finally...

[azureice]

My +2 Regeneration tunic can be a reality!

RATS!!!

[KronosReaver]

So what are the chances we will now have Self Regenerating, Near Immortal, Fearless Rats??? Just strap on some inexpensive lasers, and have Bose equip them for all-terrain duty.... Build an army, or replace the family guard dog... Hrmmm...

Re:Reality?

[trixillion]

Anyone who would choose no limb over a mismatched limb, has bigger problems than the lack of a limb.

Wolverine

[dskippy0]

Sweet, now we can genetically engineer Wolverine. All we need now is for someone to discover adamantium.

Re:Hmmm....

[StikyPad]

At least you only cut off a finger. This guy [smh.com.au] took obviously thought sexual reproduction would now be a thing of the past.

Re:Reality?

[rubycodez]

now you've done it, when this regeneration technology gets perfected insecure males will be chopping off their privy members in order to grow A BIG ONE...