Double-Headed Planaria
ongoing research
Michael Levin and his team are investigating how cells within a fragment of a worm coordinate to create a specific structure and how these cellular conversations can be manipulated to alter regenerative processes. Their research has shown that by temporarily modifying the communication between cells, planarians can be induced to regenerate with a head at each end of their bodies. Remarkably, a single treatment is sufficient for this characteristic to persist through subsequent rounds of regeneration, without any further intervention. Even more surprising is the fact that this permanent anatomical change is not achieved by editing the organism’s genes, but by targeting another aspect of biology that was long overlooked and is now attracting renewed scientific attention: bioelectricity.
The presentation within the exhibition features specimens of two-headed planarians, offering a tangible demonstration of the outcomes of this research.
