What Is Regeneration?

Two historians and philosophers of science explore the meaning and limits of regeneration, discussing the capacity of organs and tissues to regenerate and the differences between organisms. They also consider the potential for biological regeneration to repair damage to ecosystems caused by climate change and explore deep and provocative questions about the conditions that allow some damaged microbiomes to regenerate.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Two renowned historians and philosophers of science, Jane Maienschein and Kate MacCord, have authored a comprehensive primer on the profound significance and inherent boundaries of regeneration. This captivating exploration delves into the intricate realm of biological regeneration, a subject that has gained increasing attention in the context of regenerative medicine, cutting-edge tools in developmental and neurobiology, and the critical imperative to comprehend and rectify the harm inflicted upon ecosystems by climate change. Spanning various scales, from the microscopic realm of germ, nerve, and stem cells to the intricate dynamics of individual organisms and complex systems, this concise and accessible introduction raises a multitude of thought-provoking inquiries. It seeks to unravel the enigmatic factors that enable certain damaged microbiomes to regenerate, while others fail to do so. Furthermore, it examines the enigmatic phenomenon of forests exhibiting regeneration in certain instances but not consistently. In the face of the looming challenges posed by climate change in the era known as the Anthropocene, the book poses a crucial question: Can the planet rejuvenate and restore its health, or will the global ecosystem succumb to collapse? Through their insightful analysis and thought-provoking perspectives, Maienschein and MacCord offer a valuable roadmap for understanding the complexities of regeneration and its potential implications for our world.

Dimension: 216 x 140 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226816562