Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Single gene causes embryo notochord deformity in zebrafish

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that suppression of Pcdh8 is essential for proper notochord elongation in zebrafish embryos. This study may lead to novel tumor therapies in humans due to the gene's role in controlling cell proliferation.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

Mutant zebrafish reveals a turning point in spine's evolution

Researchers have discovered a single-letter change in DNA that alters the way zebrafish build their spines, leading to shorter bodies and tortured-looking spines. This mutation has similarities with fossil specimens of ancestral fish, revealing insights into spine evolution and development.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 20, 2020

Coelacanth reveals new insights into skull evolution

Researchers study coelacanth specimens at different stages of cranial development, providing new insights into the biology of this iconic animal. The study reveals unique observations about the development of the living coelacanth skull and brain, and opens up new avenues for research on the evolution of vertebrate heads.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Cells in fish's spinal discs repair themselves

Researchers discovered a unique repair mechanism in zebrafish spinal discs that protects fluid-filled cells from mechanical stress and promotes regeneration. The study suggests that this mechanism, triggered by the release of nucleotides, may be present in humans at early stages but is lost over time.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 22, 2017

Solving the mystery of the Tully Monster

A Yale-led team of paleontologists has determined that the Tully Monster, a 300-million-year-old animal with teeth at the end of a narrow head extension and eyes on either side of a long bar, was a vertebrate with gills and a notochord. The discovery sheds light on the creature's likely predatory lifestyle.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2016

NYU research: Shedding light on genetic switches

A new study by NYU researchers identifies molecular switches that turn on gene expression in the notochord, a precursor to the backbone. The team used a marine organism called Ciona and found that specific transcription factors bind DNA sequences, known as CRMs, to control gene expression.

SourceNew York University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 28, 2016

From worm muscle to spinal discs

Researchers found that a muscle, called axochord, runs along the midline of marine worm Platynereis, similar to where the notochord would be in chordates. This discovery suggests that the notochord may have evolved from a muscle-based structure in an ancient ancestor.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·DateSep 12, 2014
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Events coordination during embryogenesis

Researchers discovered how Brachyury regulates the timing of gene expression in the notochord, a precursor to the backbone, and found that certain mutations can delay or alter this process, potentially leading to birth defects and cancer. The study sheds light on a crucial regulatory mechanism in embryonic development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 29, 2013

Events coordination during embryogenesis

Researchers studied Brachyury gene's role in regulating notochord development, finding CRM mutations affect timing of gene expression. This can lead to birth defects and cancer by delaying critical developmental processes.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 29, 2013

New therapeutic hope for degenerative disc disease

Researchers found that embryonic cells from a dog's notochord can regenerate disc cartilage, providing new therapeutic options for degenerative disc disease. The study suggests that CTGF-secreting notochord cells protect non-chondrodystrophic dogs against the condition.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateNov 29, 2006

Study illuminates birth defects caused by copper deficiency

A new study found that copper deficiency in zebrafish leads to birth defects similar to those seen in children with Menkes disease. The researchers discovered a critical role for copper in notochord formation and development, suggesting suboptimal copper metabolism may contribute to structural birth defects.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 8, 2006
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.