The Surprising Advantages of Senescent "Zombie" Cells.

Senescent cells, which are cells that have permanently stopped dividing, have been found to enhance regeneration of lost limbs in salamanders by boosting the production of new muscle cells. The cells secrete factors that signal mature muscle fibers to dedifferentiate into muscle progenitor cells, thereby enhancing regeneration. This finding could help researchers understand why humans have limited regenerative abilities and potentially develop new treatments for age-related diseases.