Ciencia Puerto Rico

Planarian flatworms show a lot of promise in neuropharmacological research; they have a well-developed nervous system, including a rudimentary brain, which use every major neurotransmitter system described in mammals, including humans. Additionally, its nervous system shares many structural similarities with vertebrate nervous systems. We use planaria as a model organism to screen for psychoactive naturally-occurring or synthetic compounds.

Publications: (please see uploaded abbreviated CV).