Scientists found newborn mice can repair their hearts by regenerating heart muscles, according to a journal published in "science" Friday.

Three mice peep from a loaf of bread at a zoo in Tokyo, Jan. 6, 2008. (Xinhuanet File Photo)

Previous studies had revealed some amphibians and fishes can regrow damaged heart tissue, but the adult mammals can't. That is why the heart disease is so deadly for human beings.

Researchers from University of Texas found that newborn mice also have this natural ability. In the study, a part of heart muscle in a one-day mouse removed by scientists, and was found regrown within one week.

Further experiments found mice can rebuild 15 percent of heart muscles at most. But when the mouse came to one week old, the regenerative ability was permanently gone.

Searching for drugs or genes to reawake this mechanism in adult mammals will be the main goal of next stage's study, said Eric Olson, the co-senior author of this study.

Scientists believe the similar capacity also exists in humans and hope this research could pave a new way to treat human's heart damages done by diseases and physical injuries. (Agencies)

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet