Cells Reveal Bioelectric Networks That Coordinate Development

Recent research led by Michael Levin and reported by Quanta Magazine shows that cells across species use bioelectric signals to form coordinated electrical networks that guide development, regeneration, and cancer progression. These studies describe persistent membrane-potential patterns and wave-like electrical signaling, enabled by ion channels and optogenetics, that act as a bioelectric "code" alongside genetics, suggesting new targets for regenerative medicine and tumor control.