An extract from Therapeutics daily
When a newt loses a limb, the limb regrows!

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research have started to decode the cellular mechanisms in this ability to regenerate and have discovered the remarkable plasticity of newt heart cells.

As mammals, and therefore also humans, do not have this ability, the findings could contribute to new cell therapies for patients with damaged organs.

The red-spotted newt, Notophthalmus viridescens, is a favourite animal of the researchers.  This amphibian comes from the wetlands of North America.

Hibernating newts block drains!
Attempts by staff at Cuerden Valley Park to improve the drainage of the 650-acre site have been thwarted - by Newts.
The recent wet weather has caused several puddles at the popular attraction between Chorley and Bamber Bridge.
However, when the park's rangers were carrying out maintenance work on drainage channels that prevent standing water forming, they made an unlikely discovery.
A number of newts had travelled from their natural habitat of a nearby pond and were hiding in the channels for the winter.

Anyone touching the creatures without the required licence faces a fine of £1,000 per newt because they're a protected species.
Development officer Steve Williams said: "Amphibians hibernate in dark, damp places which is why they were attracted to the drainage channels.
"You need a special licence to handle them.  We have got one ranger, Richard Tanner with the licence.
"If there were no newts we would normally lift the channels out and scoop out the debris to improve the drainage.  But instead we have got to let nature take its course.
"We ask out visitors to be understanding."
The drainage system is securely installed which means the newts are not in danger and the visitors can carry on walking along the paths as normal.

"The channels are screwed down, so members of the public do not need to tip-toe around the newts," said Mr Williams.

"We would, however, like to encourage visitors not to provoke the newts in any way.
"We welcome feedback from our visitors but unfortunately, when it comes to blocked drains, our hands might be tied by newts!"

Cuerden Park run a series of unique events throughout the year that give the public a chance for a detailed look at the different species and nature included in the park.

The knotty problem of what infects the newts.
It could be blood-sucking leeches.
A fungus-like parasite has been found in several kinds of North American amphibians, including bullfrogs and the red-spotted newt.  But scientists couldn't explain how they were getting infected.  Now, some Pennsylvania Stat University biologists think they have the answer - Blood-sucking leeches.  Although it is not proven directly, but the leeches appear to be carrying the parasite from newt to newt with their bites.  Signs of infection were on the body parts most likely to be bitten by leeches, such as the head and throat. The infection does not kill the newts, but it does appear to stop them from breeding.

Move to to top