With a silly smile and frilly gills, the axolotl has wriggled its way into the hearts of millions, becoming a popular aquarium pet and pop culture icon in video games, children’s books and toy stores.

The feathery gilled pink salamanders stop aging early and can regenerate their limbs. Studying them could be the next step in the journey to unlocking effective anti-aging treatments in humans.

The axolotl, a type of salamander that stays in the tadpole form throughout its life, is a master of regeneration. Axolotls have been observed to regrow several body parts, including limbs, eyes, and ...