6-year-old steps up after axolotl lab lost funds

At Harvard, a team of researchers is studying the axolotl, the salamander with the superpower to regrow body parts.

What about an Axolotl – Wikipedia

The axolotl is a unique amphibian known for its remarkable regenerative abilities and neotenic features, primarily found in the lakes of Mexico City.

What is an Axolotl?

The axolotl(Ambystoma mexicanum) is a paedomorphic salamander, meaning it retains juvenile features throughout its adult life. Unlike most amphibians, axolotls do not undergo metamorphosis; they remain aquatic and possess external gills, which give them a distinctive appearance. They can grow up to about 25 cm (10 inches)long and are typically dark brown with black speckling, although leucistic (white) and albino variants are also common.

Habitat and Conservation Status

Axolotls are native to the lakes of Xochimilco and Chalcoin the Valley of Mexico. However, due to urbanization, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species, their natural habitat has been severely diminished, leading to their classification as critically endangered. It is estimated that fewer than 1,000 axolotlsremain in the wild

Unique Characteristics

Regeneration: Axolotls are famous for their ability to regenerate lost limbs, gills, and even parts of their heart and brain. This remarkable capability makes them a subject of scientific research, particularly in studies related to tissue regeneration.
Neoteny: They retain juvenile traits, such as external gills and a long, tadpole-like tail, throughout their lives. This adaptation allows them to thrive in stable aquatic environments without the need to transition to a terrestrial form.

Cultural Significance

In Aztec mythology, the axolotl is associated with the god Xolotl, who transformed into this creature to avoid sacrifice. This cultural connection has contributed to the axolotl’s popularity in various media and as a pet.

Conclusion

The axolotl is not only a fascinating creature due to its unique biological traits but also a symbol of the environmental challenges facing many species today. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of this remarkable amphibian in its natural habitat.

THE STORY OF THE DONOR

“And we want to find out the secrets, like, the actual, molecular secrets of how they regenerate limbs,” Jessica Whited, an assistant professor of stem cell and regenerative biology at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, which leads the research, told CBS News.

The “hope someday,” Whited explains, is that the research will lead them to learn more about potential limb regeneration in humans.

However, that hope faded a few months ago when her team lost almost all its government funding.

It was a dark time until the day a donor stepped forward.

“It definitely had a positive effect on everyone in the lab,” Whited said. “Everybody was just flabbergasted.”

They were flabbergasted not by the size of the donation, but rather, the size of the donor: 6-year-old Marianne Cullen of Springfield, Massachusetts, who is obsessed with the axolotls.

“There’s more to them than just being cute,” Marianne told CBS News. “They can grow back any limb… And there’s way other animals that need saving, but this one is my destiny to save.”

Marianne’s mother, Kathleen Cullen, says her daughter “took it kind of to the next level, honestly.”

“She said, ‘I want to raise money for axolotls,’” Marianne’s father, Robert Cullen, added.

So, to support conservation and research, Marianne built a PowerPoint presentation and held a fundraiser, raising about $1,000 for Whited’s lab.

“Not a lot of people get how important it is to save this animal,” Marianne said when asked why she felt it was her responsibility to do so.

Federal courts have since reinstated the funding for Whited’s lab, but it is unclear if the rulings will stand.

But regardless, Whited said Marianne’s contribution will always keep her going.

“Sometimes you know who’s fighting for you in life, and sometimes you don’t,” Whited said. “And that’s always the time when you’re just like, pause and be like, ‘Wow.’”