Figuring Out The Heads Or Tails Decision In Regeneration
Friday, October 9, 2009 - 10:21
in Health & Medicine
Wounds trigger regeneration in planaria, a flatworm commonly studied for its regenerative capabilities. Until now, no molecular connection between wounding and the onset of regeneration of an entire head or tail in planaria had been identified. Although animals such as planaria and starfish can regrow virtually any part of their bodies, humans have restricted regenerative capabilities. A better understanding of regeneration could one day benefit patients with traumatic injuries, such as amputations or nerve damage.