Page 30 - Micro5 Brochure 2017

bioelectricity allowing Levin to have a solid background of the methods and
ideas proposed by the handful of open minded scientists that continued this
field of study in the 1970s and 80s.

It is strange that electricity has been so badly neglected, because it is the
essence of life. You will find it everywhere in our bodies, with ions flowing in
and out of our cells. You will see electrical pulses flowing down our nerves.
The truth is we are walking talking electric circuit boards.

The significance of electricity is well acknowledged when it comes to our
nervous system and the heart processes. However, many scientists still today
see this body of research as Frankenstein mind set.

For bioelectricity to be seriously revived into the mainstream (and it is heading
there now) would require those whom have a vision and forward thinking, not
concerned how their passions would appear to others in their field. In other
words, taking a few risks, stick out of the box and not follow convention!

Research at the Levin Lab

At the department of biology in the Levin Lab where Michael Levin and his
team, at the Tufts University, we will explore some of their observations in
limb regeneration.

Regrowing Body Parts

There are a number of species that can regrow lost limbs, such as the
Mexican Axolotl and the lizard can shed its tail when being attacked by a
predator. When this happens and it escapes the lizard will regrow its tail again.

Insects like cockroaches, have the remarkable ability to regenerate their legs
just like the starfish and lobsters. The Zebrafish can regrow their fins if lost
and they can also regenerate their hearts. A deer will regrow its antlers with
large amounts of bone, nerve and skin each year.

Regenerating The Same As The Lost Part

Species that can master regeneration do not always regrow with perfection.
The salamander is the jewel in the crown that can always regrow a limb with
complete perfection every time.

The tadpole however, can regenerate their tails well but with a few missing
nerve types. The ultimate hero that gives the Newt and the Axolotl a serious
run for their money in the regeneration competition of perfection would be the
Planaria Flatworm.