Could nails help us regrow LIMBS? Stem cells found on fingers and toes could someday give humans lizard-like abilities

Researchers found stem cells in mouse nails that performed two roles They cause nails to grow, and focus on repair when it is lost or injured The experts tracked how stem cells in the nails of mice split and grow It is hoped the same cells could be manipulated to grow tissue in other body parts

By Ellie Zolfagharifard for MailOnline

Published: 10:23 EST, 24 November 2014 | Updated: 10:23 EST, 24 November 2014

The blue-tailed skink has the remarkable ability to lose its tail to distract predators, and then grow a new one.

And someday, thanks to cells found in our nails, humans could have similar lizard-like abilities that will help us regrow lost limbs.

Researchers in the US recently found unique stem cells in nails that perform two roles - they cause nails to grow, and they focus on nail repair when it is lost or injured.

Researchers in the US recently found unique stem cells (shown in the above animation) in nails that perform two roles; they cause nails to grow, and focus on nail repair when it is lost or injured

The researchers claim these stem cells could be manipulated to grow tissue for other body parts, helping to someday recover lost limbs or organs.

The elusive stem cells were found at the University of Southern California by attaching dyes as 'labels' on mouse nail cells.

Many of these cells repeatedly divided, diluting the dyes and labels in the process.

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Could nails help us regrow LIMBS? Stem cells found on fingers and toes could someday give humans lizard-like abilities