Ducks Can Grow New Heart Cells Every Day
Unlike most adult mammals, some duck species continuously regenerate heart-muscle cells throughout their lives, allowing the organ to stay young and strong even in very old birds. Researchers studying the hearts of wild mallards found clusters of dividing cardiac cells that help repair tiny daily wear-and-tear injuries from intense flight.
💡 Fun detail:
This natural heart renewal could one day give scientists clues for treating human heart disease without surgery.
Source: Journal of Experimental Biology