Findings in a new study revealed that zebrafish, Danio rerio, has been graced with a special characteristic. It has been recovered that the fish has a special protein, which provides the fish with a self-healing ability.

The tropical fish, belonging to the family Cyprinidae, is a popular aquarium species and also is also majorly used in scientific research.

The ability that this species of fish has can help it regenerate fins, skin, heart and even brain.

However, researchers of the study have claimed that the finding of the study can pave out ways to regenerate spinal cords in humans.

Study co-author Prof Peter Currie explained that when spinal cord in detached in humans or even other mammals and role of immune system is observed, it activates specialized cells termed glia, which further prevents bleeding into it.

Prof Peter said, “Glia is the workmen of nervous system. The glia proliferates, forming bigger cells that span the wound site in order to prevent bleeding into it. They come in and try to sort out problems”.

However, formation of scars at the wound site cuts out the connection between brain and the site, thus making the person paralyzed. This occurs because scars prevent axons.

However, in case of the fish, injury site is spanned but at the same time axons can also penetrate into it.