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Double-Headed Flatworms Reveal Secrets of Regeneration

11/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Scientists studying the flatworm Stenostomum brevipharyngium found that it can mismanage its self-cloning process, producing double-headed worms.
The double-headed condition arises when the worm grows two functional heads and lacks tail cell types.
Despite the abnormality, some double-headed worms can reproduce normally and even regenerate tails.
The findings were published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B and emphasize the flatworm's biology and implications for regenerative medicine.

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Story summary

Scientists studying the flatworm Stenostomum brevipharyngium found that it can mismanage its self-cloning process, producing double-headed worms.
The double-headed condition arises when the worm grows two functional heads and lacks tail cell types.
Despite the abnormality, some double-headed worms can reproduce normally and even regenerate tails.
The findings were published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B and emphasize the flatworm's biology and implications for regenerative medicine.