Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Ja'Hann Hannor, Freshman
Lead Presenter's Name
Ja'Hann Hannor
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Alba Chavez
Abstract
Aerospace physiology observes many different aspects of cell reproduction and how they can be used for medical purposes. Planarian has attracted increased attention in the regeneration field for its usefulness as an important organism due to its regeneration ability and it has become increasingly useful to use as a model system to study the effects of environmental factors on cell regeneration. In the present study, we subjected planarian worms to different factors including UV light, extreme temperatures, and microgravity in order to observe the rate of regeneration. This experiment has been successfully applied in a classroom setting in an effort to demonstrate the importance of the environment in organisms. In addition, the findings will benefit the medical industry in their research to understand how human cells might be able to replicate planaria stem cells in order to fight off diseases and cancer cells. This study will be a step in the right direction in understanding cell regeneration in humans.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes, Spark Grant
Regenerating Planaria. Effects of Environmental Factors on Cell Regeneration
Aerospace physiology observes many different aspects of cell reproduction and how they can be used for medical purposes. Planarian has attracted increased attention in the regeneration field for its usefulness as an important organism due to its regeneration ability and it has become increasingly useful to use as a model system to study the effects of environmental factors on cell regeneration. In the present study, we subjected planarian worms to different factors including UV light, extreme temperatures, and microgravity in order to observe the rate of regeneration. This experiment has been successfully applied in a classroom setting in an effort to demonstrate the importance of the environment in organisms. In addition, the findings will benefit the medical industry in their research to understand how human cells might be able to replicate planaria stem cells in order to fight off diseases and cancer cells. This study will be a step in the right direction in understanding cell regeneration in humans.