Made in collaboration with Sam Frésquez.
Photo credit: Josh Loeser
As a method of survival, certain species have developed regenerative capabilities.The Linckia is a species of starfish that are capable of not only regrowing arms that have been severed but also regrowing a body from the severed limb.
As a form of protection human hair has also evolved to be capable of regeneration. The most extensive form of regeneration exhibited by human hair is body-independent bidirectional regeneration. In this rare case, a detached yaki ponytail with no remnants of the body is capable of regenerating a full Kanekalon Tree. In the absence of a mouth or digestive system, the detached yaki ponytail survives on nutrients stored in the hair until it can regenerate a Kanekalon Tree. Without the ability to feed during recovery, body independent bidirectional regeneration is difficult to execute and requires that the detached yaki ponytail is in a relatively healthy form. This vigorous form of regeneration has been identified in femme bodies to a very high degree.
This exhibition includes three of the largest known Kanekalon Trees in North America. Kanekalon Trees are composed primarily of synthetic Keratin, monofilament fibers, and polyfilament fibers. The cause of the growth of Kanekalon Trees remains relatively unknown.
Due to their wide range of regenerative capabilities, Kanekalon Trees have become model organisms for studying how the regenerative process has evolved and diversified over time. While the overall morphological processes have been well documented in many Yaki Ponytails, little is known regarding the underlying molecular mechanisms that mediate their regeneration. Moreover, some researchers hope Kanekalon Trees may one day serve as inspiration for therapeutics aiming to expand the extent to which humans can repair and replace damaged cells or tissues.
Photo credit: Josh Loeser
Photo credit: Josh Loeser
Photo credit: Josh Loeser
Photo credit: Josh Loeser