Stem Cell Research as Beacon of Hope

The Axolotl, also known as Mexican Salamander, has a unique capacity: He can regenerate whole extremities. Legs, tail, eyes, even the jaw can be reconditioned. But what gives him this ability and why is it hidden from humans? Elly Tanaka, scientist at the Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD) is engaged in this matter. She hopes to find possibilities to improve the human self-healing process. Biological scientists at the “Technischen Universitaet Dresden” work on stem cell based methods to (re)generate tissue, which would result in controlled regeneration. Scientists can apply their knowledge through better understanding of biomedical fundamentals. If the CRTD program to encourage the regeneration of tissue and organs is successful, we can hope for new therapies for incurable or difficult to cure illnesses. The fight against Alzheimer, Parkinson or Diabetes may possibly be improved, maybe even won in the future.