What Is Regeneration?

From hydras to humans, this short book by two marine biologists explores the peculiar process of regeneration. . . . So here is the problem: if the mechanisms of regeneration can't be distinguished from those of growth and development, what is to stop everything ceaselessly regenerating? What dictates the process of regrowth and why does it happen only in some tissues, in some species and only some of the time? Maienschein and MacCord argue that, to fully understand this, we need to see regeneration as a window into the world of biology in general, and the complex feedback loops that decide what grows, divides and dies, where and when. Far from being an interesting curio, then, studying regeneration can tell us much about life in general, from a cellular level right up to the level of ecosystems, and inform everything from regenerative therapies using stem cells to ecosystem protection and recovery. Seen through this lens, regeneration is a far bigger subject than it might at first seem. -- Simon Ings * New Scientist * The book shows exceptional strengths and represents a unique approach that is not only beneficial for a wide audience, but also is needed to face current challenges to humanity and global ecological developments. An essential contribution. -- Hanna Lucia Worliczek, University of Vienna, Austria A truly thought-provoking book, meant not only for students and scientists, but also politicians and laypersons. -- Eric Roettinger, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Universite Cote d'Azur, France In their new book What Is Regeneration?, Prof. Jane Maienschein and Dr.Kate MacCord present an introduction to what is presently known about biological regeneration. Approaching their subject from both the history and philosophy of science, as well as from practical biology, and ranging from micro through macro levels in their explanations, the authors present the 'nuts and bolts' of regeneration. * The Well-Read Naturalist *