Source: Overseas Network
Screenshot of Yomiuri Shimbun (Image of sea slugs provided by Nara Women's University)
Overseas network on March 12, Japanese researchers recently announced that they have found a sea slug, can cut off the head, and regenerate the body from the remaining head. Aquatic organisms such as planarians have been known to regenerate lost bodies, and this is the first time that organisms with complex body structures have been found to be able to regenerate their bodies. This discovery could have implications for regenerative medicine in the future.
According to the news of Reuters and Japan's "Yomiuri Shimbun", the relevant research results have been published in the American scientific magazine "current biology" published on the 9th. Japanese researchers say they breed and observe a type of sea slug that can cut off its head and separate its head. After continuing to observe, it was learned that its head only accounted for less than 20% of the total weight, but it was able to regenerate its body within a week, and after 3 weeks, it was basically completely restored to its original state. Although the detached body part can no longer regenerate the head, it can live for up to 110 days.
The researchers said that although it is not yet possible to fully understand why the sea slugs cut off their heads, some of them have individuals whose bodies are parasitic by other organisms, which is likely a "self-defense" behavior that wants to leave the parasites. In addition, if it is tied to its head with a rope, causing pressure on it, it will also cut off its head. There are no trials at present, and if its head is artificially cut off, it can still be regenerated.
Kiyoka Mito, a researcher at Nara Women's University who is in charge of the main research work, said: "[Sea slugs] suddenly separated their heads and bodies, and I was shocked. I thought it was going to die soon, but it continued to swim around and eat with great appetite. Later I found out that it regenerated the heart and body on its own. She added: "With further research, we may be able to apply these findings to regenerative medicine in the future, but at this stage this is still a distant hope." (Overseas Network Wang Shanning)
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