Human Regeneration

Lest you get the wrong impression, it’s important to point out that humans do regularly regenerate certain tissues, such as the liver and the gut lining. And like mice, humans can regenerate fingertips—beyond the most distal joint.

Why is it that salamanders can regenerate whole limbs but mice and humans can regenerate only fingertips?

Researchers are studying mouse fingertip regeneration to gain a better understanding of the limits of mammalian regeneration and to discover ways to increase the regenerative ability of humans for medical purposes.