Wednesday, December 4, 2013

We Should Learn To Do This...!

Nature has some unusual ways of protecting her children in the animal world. Some of those ways come in very handy!

I can't help but think that if humans had this talent, it could sure come in handy. Could save a lot on doctor's visits as well!

African Spiny Mice Are Masters Of Regeneration



So some animals have tough skin, and some have really thick skin. The African spiny mouse has neither, possessing some of the thinnest skin in the world. Still, this unassuming little rodent possesses one of the most astounding abilities in nature.

The tender epidermis of the African spiny mouse has a high number of hair follicles. With less connective tissue than normal skin, it comes apart pretty easy. It’s 77 percent easier to tear off the skin of a spiny mouse than a regular mouse. Which means two things: First, the spiny mouse has a reliable way to get away from predators. If it gets nabbed, its skin will just peel right off. Second, there’s a researcher somewhere whose job it is to rip the skin off mice.

But is tearaway skin really a good defense? Skin is kind of important, right? Fortunately the African spiny mice have Wolverine’s healing factor. They can regenerate skin, hair follicles, sweat glands, and cartilage in a matter of days, without any scarring. A wound can shrink by 64 percent in one day. So tearing the skin off the African spiny mouse, though disturbing, doesn’t really trouble the rodent in the slightest.

See what I mean about this being a handy little talent? Wonder why Mother Nature doesn't share this talent with those of us on the human side of the family?

One more day of coffee out on the patio before the cold weather comes back. OK?

8 comments:

Chickenmom said...

That is one research job I wouldn't want to have - they are such cute little critters! Your patio is a great idea for today - it's 24 here! I'll bring chocolate cake for all.

Mamahen said...

Cake n coffee on the patio, i'm there! 39 here this a.m. and it's all down hill from here they say. Now about these spiny mice. I can see where this would be a handy trait to have, but I sure wouldn't want the job of testing them and other mice to compare their healing abilities. I don't know how some ppl sleep at night....

Sixbears said...

Useful skill, but kinda disturbing. Still, I wouldn't mind being able to regenerate mine.

Momlady said...

Wonder if, on us older folk, the skin would come back with all the wrinkles. Mmmmmm, chocolate cake.

Dizzy-Dick said...

I have had some of my skin ripped off but it took a lot longer growing back than it did coming off. . . sometimes I wish I could like that little mouse!!

JO said...

This is an amazing story. And maybe researchers will find a way to help burn victims and other such horrible things people deal with. but at the same time I doubt I could ever peel any living things skin off.

It will be the last nice day here today too if we even get through it Wind is already picking up and the black clouds are moving in. So some chocolate cake and coffee on the patio sounds like a very good idea.

linda m said...

What a cute little mouse! Must be nice to be able to regenerate skin so fast. Very arm here - 40 degrees with a high in the low 50's . But foggy and rainy. Tomorrow the cold sets in again. Cake and coffee on the patio sound wonderful.

HermitJim said...

Hey Phyllis...
I don't want the job either!

Chocolate cake sounds great!

Thanks for coming over!



Hey Mamahen...
I think all our weather is going to change for the worse soon!

Thanks for coming over today!



Hey Sixbears...
Does seem like it would come in handy, doesn't it?

Thanks for coming over today!



Hey Momlady...
I kinda wondered about that myself!

Thanks for dropping by today!



Hey Dizzy...
Mine takes a lot longer to come back as well! Itches all the while!

Thanks for coming by today!



Hey Jo...
I can think of so many applications where it would be useful. Too bad we can't do it!

Thanks, sweetie, for the visit today!



Hey Linda M...
Nature does have a soft spot for some of her little critters!

Guess I keep forgetting it's Winter!

Thanks for stopping by!