The axolotl, a unique salamander native to Mexico, is famous for its almost supernatural healing powers. Not only can it regrow lost limbs, but it can also regenerate parts of its heart, spinal cord, and even brain—something no other vertebrate can do quite so completely.

Scientists are fascinated by axolotls because their cells don't scar like human cells do. Instead, they revert to a more primitive state, allowing the body to rebuild complex tissue with almost perfect accuracy. Understanding how this works might one day help advance human regenerative medicine, turning science fiction into science fact.