Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 190 | Lea Goentoro on Regrowing Limbs
Mar 28, 2022
Lea Goentoro, a Professor of Biology at Caltech and expert in biological systems, dives into the fascinating world of limb regeneration. She discusses surprising findings that suggest coaxing limb regrowth in advanced animals might be easier than previously thought. The conversation explores the impressive regenerative capabilities of jellyfish and lobsters, as well as evolutionary implications across species. Goentoro also highlights the potential for translating these discoveries into human applications, hinting at exciting future advancements in regenerative medicine.
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Jellyfish Sleep
- Jellyfish sleep despite lacking brains, suggesting sleep is an ancient animal property.
- This raises questions about sleep's function in brainless animals.
Jellyfish Symmetrization
- Lea Goentoro's lab observed that injured jellyfish reorganize their remaining limbs to regain symmetry.
- This happens rapidly, within two to three days, regardless of how many arms are lost.
Unexpected Regrowth
- While studying jellyfish, Lea Goentoro's team noticed that sometimes, small buds would grow from amputation sites.
- This suggested a latent ability to regenerate appendages.