Regeneratsiooni

Regeneratsiooni (regeneration) is a broad term describing the regrowth, restoration, or renewal of form and function following damage, loss, or disturbance. It is used across biology, ecology, medicine, and engineering to describe processes that reestablish structure, function, or both.

In biology, regeneration refers to the regrowth of tissues or organs, or even entire bodies, after injury. Some animals, such as salamanders and certain starfish, can regenerate limbs or complex structures. Humans exhibit tissue regeneration in skin and blood, and the liver can restore its mass after damage. Regeneration relies on stem cells, cellular reprogramming, and signaling pathways that control growth and pattern formation.

In ecology, regeneration denotes the renewal of ecosystems after disturbances like fire, flood, or clear-cutting. This includes natural succession and human-led restoration to recover habitats, soil structure, and biodiversity. The speed and trajectory of ecological regeneration depend on climate, species resilience, and management practices.

In medicine and technology, regenerative medicine aims to restore function through stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, and bioactive materials. Regenerative design seeks sustainable urban renewal and resilient infrastructure. Self-healing materials, which repair damage autonomously, are also studied as a form of regeneration at the material level.

The Estonian term for regeneration is regeneratsioon; the genitive form is regeneratsiooni. As a multidisciplinary concept, regeneratsiooni informs health, environment, and sustainable development.