Terahertz pulses induce segment renewal via cell proliferation and differentiation overriding the endogenous regeneration program of the earthworm .

Terahertz (THz) irradiation of excised earthworms is shown to cause overriding of the genetically determined, endogenously mediated segment renewing capacity of the model animal. Single-cycle THz pulses of 5 µJ energy, 0.30 THz mean frequency, 293 kV/cm peak electric field, and 1 kHz repetition rate stimulated the cell proliferation (indicated by the high number of mitotic cells) and both histogenesis and organogenesis, producing a significantly higher number of regenerated segments.