Researchers found that flatworm stem cells act independently, guided by signals from distant cells rather than local neighbors. This could explain their incredible regenerative powers and help inspire new breakthroughs in healing and tissue repair. Credit: Shutterstock In most animals, stem cells rely on nearby cells to tell them what to do. However, new research from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research shows that flatworm, or planarian, stem cells behave differently. Instead of