Visualizing Axolotl Limb Regrowth in 3D
IMBA reached out to me to bring the axolotl’s unique ability to regrow limbs to life in a scientifically accurate (but visually stunning) 3D animation. And I was so in.
The Challenge​​
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The animation had to show the full regeneration process:
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A waving axolotl arm
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Bone structure inside
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A magical, blood-free limb removal
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Wound healing
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Cells streaming to the wound site
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Gradual regrowth of muscles and bones
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This wasn't just a pretty animation—it needed to be based on real scientific models and imagery. Accuracy was just as important as creativity.
Modeling & Rigging:
I modeled the arm’s bone structure from real anatomical references and rigged the limb to move naturally—both for the initial wave and for the animated regeneration sequence.
Lighting & Texturing:
To make the skin look soft and slightly translucent (like a real axolotl), I used Subsurface Scattering (SSS) in Redshift. I also groomed the external gills with the Principled Hair System—yes, I played 3D hair stylist.
The Magical Cut:
Since we couldn’t show blood or tools, I created a glowing light ring that cleanly "cut" the limb. It kept the tone scientific but friendly.
Featured in the Media
Our axolotl animation didn’t just stay behind the scenes — it made waves across Austria’s top media outlets!
Renowned platforms like orf.at and Der Standard featured the animation in articles about scientific breakthroughs in limb regeneration.
Read the full article on
This exposure brought the research to a much wider audience — proof that great storytelling and accurate science can go hand in hand.
Why It Matters
Complex science becomes understandable and engaging when you visualize it.
Animation helps your audience grasp the invisible, see processes in action, and actually remember them.
Limb Regrowth:
Real axolotl limbs don’t grow back all at once, they develop in phases. I used Pose Morphs to animate the gradual regrowth, showing bones and muscles forming layer by layer.
Technical Nerd-Out:
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One of the biggest technical challenges was how to show a cutaway version of the arm, half transparent, half internal. I tested several methods and ended up using Boole objects + Vertex Maps to get the visibility just right.
