by Mollee Liberg, Freshman
Fish having superpowers seems nearly impossible but with modern science, it has become possible. Certain fish and sea creatures have recently been showing off their unique traits that could help humans in the near future. These creatures have given scientists new and improved ideas on how to cure diseases and possibly give humans the chance of regaining body parts, kind of like a salamander.
The West African Lungfish can regenerate complex tissue such as bone, nerves, muscle, and parts of their fins. Unlike scarring in humans, lungfish regenerated parts restore themselves just like the original structure and function. Research shows that lungfish have genes that are also found in humans. By comparing these genes, scientists are hoping to reprogram human cells to have the same traits as the regenerative ones found in lungfish.
Traditionally, the research was focused on axolotls or zebrafish. Lungfish are closer to four-limbed vertebrates, which makes them closely related to humans. By unlocking these secrets of the lungfish, developing therapies that can allow humans to regrow tissue is not so far fetched.
The small little minnow, the zebrafish, is blind; humans hope to be able to see the light again. Nearly 80 incorporate research projects at the National Eye Institute include zebrafish because of their ability to regenerate retinal cells. Scientists have been and are still attempting to find a way for zebrafish to improve humans eyesight. James Patton of Vanderbilt University has found out that certain helping cells travel to the retina to develop the cell type into what is needed. Research on zebrafish has given scientists more important insights on cancer, heart disease, and/or a stroke. They have helped scientists to find and test potential new drugs to help humans develop.
Toadfish are little creatures that create hemoglobin that can provide a useful tool for studying suckling disorders. The red blood cells in toadfish are extremely similar to human cells. The total adaptation of toadfish is not exactly clear to scientists, but there is still a chance of developing a neutral cell for both humans and toadfish.
Scientists are currently still looking over the situation and considering possibilities for restoring human tissue. With the lungfish having similar genes to humans, they are the best bet for improving human health. Scientists are active and involved in this act of finding ways to improve eyesight and tissue restoration. Everything can change if they possibly find a way. These fish can be reported as superheroes once it is figured out.
Sources:
Could a super-fish with regenerative powers help humans regrow …
Tail Regeneration in Lungfish Provided Insight into Evolution of Limb Regrowth
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