Thanks to an innovative idea by Lower Sixth Former Akram El Gabour, boys in the Biology Society jumped at the chance to take part in a fascinating experiment investigating stem cell regeneration by dissecting a small earthworm-like organism called planaria, known for its remarkable regenerative capacity.
Akram presented the idea as part of his Floreat Sixth Form task to research and design his own super-curricular course – Akram’s passion for stem cell research led to this unique learning opportunity.
Akram’s interest in regenerative medicine was sparked by a headline in the New Scientist magazine, leading him to delve deeper into stem cell technology. His experiment aimed to demonstrate the potential of stem cell technology and its application in regenerative medicine, which could treat diseases like Type 1 Diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
Biology Ambassador Jibran Baloch, also in the Lower Sixth Form, who founded the Biology Society last year, recalls how Akram approached him in early November with his idea. Jibran agreed that presenting these findings would be a great idea but wanted to include a practical element to make the sessions more engaging.
After some research, Jibran discovered planaria, eukaryotic earthworms with the ability to regenerate when cut into halves or thirds. He found that under the right conditions – clean, dechlorinated water, low lighting and regular feeding every three to four days – planaria can regenerate using stem cells. Jibran then forwarded this practical idea to Dr Arjan, who confirmed its feasibility for school use.
The preparation for this project involved advertising the sessions through school notices and the Biology Society, and working closely with Dr Arjan to ensure everything ran smoothly. A week before the practical sessions, Jibran arranged a practice run with Dr Arjan and Akram to perfect techniques such as transferring planaria using pipettes, viewing them under microscopes and directing them. 
Jibran faced several challenges during the preparation, particularly with the practice run. The original plan was to conduct a two-week practical, with each 40-minute session split between Akram’s theory and the practical. However, due to the late arrival of the planaria, the first session was turned into a full theory session, and the practical was postponed for three weeks. Despite these challenges, the project has been a rewarding experience for Jibran, especially seeing the high turnout of boys eager to participate.
Following the success with the Biology Society and with the support of Jibran, Akram will soon deliver this course to all year groups in the Upper School, sharing his enthusiasm for stem cell research school-wide.
This project not only highlights the innovative spirit of the boys but also underscores the importance of hands-on learning experiences in fostering a deeper understanding of complex scientific concepts. We look forward to seeing the results of their investigations and their continued enthusiasm for scientific exploration.
What is Floreat? Floreat is an academic enrichment programme aimed at providing academic extension opportunities for a selected group of boys in the Fifth Form and Lower Sixth Form. The programme is designed to foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and a love for learning beyond the standard curriculum. It allows boys to explore their interests, develop new skills and present their findings to their peers and teachers.
