ScienceAugust 16, 2026

planarians

pluh-NAIR-ee-unz

Definition

A type of non-parasitic flatworm frequently used in scientific research for its remarkable ability to regenerate lost or damaged body parts.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'planarius,' meaning 'flat,' which comes from 'planus,' meaning 'level' or 'even.' The term describes the animal's characteristically flat, ribbon-like body shape.

In the news

Leanne Fan used planarians as her primary model organism for testing wound healing under simulated microgravity because they can regrow body segments. This allowed her to observe biological regeneration processes in a controlled laboratory setting.

San Diego's Leanne Fan, 18, built a device to simulate microgravity and tested red light on injured flatw

Read the full article ↗

The Times of India

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