Regeneration Mysteries: The Science Behind Planaria’s Superpower

Can an organism rebuild its entire body from just a tiny fragment? Planaria can. In this course, we will explore the astonishing world of planarian regeneration, uncovering the cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable these tiny flatworms to regrow lost body parts with remarkable precision. We will delve into planarian biology, studying their habits and physiology while feeding, training, and even performing controlled cuts to observe their regenerative abilities firsthand. Through hands-on experiments, we will investigate the role of stem cells, signaling pathways, and gene regulation in tissue regeneration. We’ll also test key factors influencing their recovery and explore cutting-edge gene-editing techniques to manipulate essential pathways. By the end of the course, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for these extraordinary creatures—and perhaps even take home a few new planarian pets of your own!