This is probably the most sensational and science-fiction-like scientific discovery I've seen since my post on invisibility. Scientists have created miracle mice that can regenerate amputated limbs and damaged internal organs. They can regrow limbs, joints, and even hearts. This is amazing in that it's the first time such abilities have been developed in mammals. I for one welcome our new rodent overlords. [1]
With this discovery, I can easily imagine such traits being migrated to humans within my lifetime. And here's the most amazing part.
"When we injected fetal liver cells taken from those animals into ordinary mice, they too gained the power of regeneration. We found this persisted even six months after the injection."
It might as well be promicin.
1. Treatments will be made so expensive (whether they actually are or not) that only the "chosen few" will benefit.
2. Residents of countries with repressive, retarded governments, and/or those having a religious-driven majority will outlaw this treatment, except for those mentioned in (1), who will be treated secretly. Examples include Iraq, Iran, the U.S. and most African countries.
3. Organized religions will go absolutely bonkers. The stability of the whole life-after-death/buy your way in now scam will be threatened.
4. Someone (or several someones) will start slinging bombs.
Keep in mind that 99%+ of every problem the human race has ever had has been caused by the absolute inability of individuals and governments to mind their own business. Having decided how they want to live, they won't rest until they make everyone else live that way too - or die trying (and take a lot of other people with them).
Since the average politician is gutless and has no skills other than the ability to lie convincingly, their main interest is preserving the status quo. Governments in general just can't afford to have people living longer, healthier lives - bad for business.
This is why we can't cure cancer, among other things, and why the HIV-causes-AIDS-causes-death scam continues to be pushed.
BTW - cancer seems to be a risk in any cell regeneration scheme, if I am reading the technique right.
What I'd really like to see is something that can repair or correct faulty DNA sequencing. That would drive the churches beserk - not only could you live longer in a young body, but you could repair virtually any kind of damage.