These salamanders gave an arm and a leg so that one day you could grow yours back

James Monaghan, an associate professor of biology, studies the mechanisms that allow axolotls to regenerate parts of their body. Photos by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

These salamanders don’t grow up—but they do grow back. When their organs are removed or injured, they can regenerate them flawlessly. Is it because of a mutation that prevents metamorphosis? Perhaps, but there’s more to the story.  

In this episode, we talk to James Monaghan (associate professor of biology).