Tiny flatworms which usually live in ponds, rivers and streams could replace lab rats in the development of treatments for schizophrenia, drug addiction and other mental health disorders, after scientists discovered the worms react to certain drugs in a similar way to rodents.
The worms come from a family known as planaria, with some species previously thought to be "immortal" due to their unique regenerative abilities, which includes the ability to regenerate lost body parts, including entire brains.
