Pig Bladder Powder Restores Human Limbs

The problem with getting into sword fights is you run a serious risk of losing an arm or leg. That is just not the way to end your day. But if scientists can be believed, and with all their facts and figures you have to wonder where they get the time to do cool shit like have katana fights, then we may be able to regrow our lost limbs. Perhaps even grow organs to replace the punctured ones. Or start up even more aggressive penis enlargement spamming schemes.

CBS News has a ridiculous report on Lee Spievack, who lost his fingertips while working on an airplane. His brother sent him a “special powder” to sprinkle on his fingers. Hmm, that doesn’t sound very scientific. Just sprinkle some magic dust and POOF! To his surprise the fingertips grew back in four weeks.

According to Dr. Steven Badylak of the University of Pittsburgh’s McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine says the powder is something called “extracellular matrix.” The mix of proteins and connective tissues are often used by surgeons when fixing tendons. It is not for you to inhale. Although…perhaps snorting the powder would result in two noses. Then you could abuse one in any way you wish, always knowing you have a spare.

Now just imagine the possibility. Using this magical powder you could grow a heart for transplant later. It’s even theoretical that an entire limb could be regrown. The powder simply tells the body to start regrowing the missing piece.

Seriously though…this is pretty mind-blowing stuff. It’s like living in a sci-fi movie, only I’m the guy in the background at the coffee shop. Later on in the exposition I’ll do something an “everyman” would do as the alien hordes rip me to shreds. I’ll be one of the tragic losses that the regenerative powers of science can’t help. Most likely due to budget restraints, and my character didn’t connect with test audiences.