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Zebrafish navigate to find their comfortable temperature

Researchers found that zebrafish have a 'thermostat' in their brains that detects deviations from their ideal temperature and guides them towards more comfortable surroundings. The preoptic area and dorsal habenula are activated to regulate body temperature, allowing the fish to efficiently find places with suitable conditions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 1, 2024

NIH researchers create genetic atlas detailing early stages of zebrafish development

A new genetic atlas details the gene expression programs that drive zebrafish development, revealing insights into human embryonic growth and the origins of diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders. The atlas provides a comprehensive resource for studying cell development and differentiation in vertebrates.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2023

Improving our understanding of the effects of PFOS on fish

Two papers advance understanding of PFOS effects on aquatic life, particularly fish, by testing multiple concentrations and confirming its presence in water. The results indicate that earlier findings were non-repeatable and likely due to biological variation rather than PFOS toxicity.

SourceSociety of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

AI recognizes the tempo and stages of embryonic development

Researchers at the University of Konstanz developed an AI-powered method to objectively characterize embryonic development tempo and stages. The Twin Network trained on over 3 million zebrafish embryo images accurately identified developmental stages, temperature dependence, and malformations.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 23, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Heart repair via neuroimmune crosstalk

Researchers discovered that adrenergic signals from the autonomic nervous system determine whether macrophages multiply and migrate into damaged heart tissue. This communication also plays a crucial role in regenerating heart muscle tissue.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2023

Avatars to help tailor glioblastoma therapies

Researchers have developed a novel zebrafish xenograft platform to screen for novel treatments for glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. The platform uses zebrafish avatars to model glioblastoma cells from individual patients, allowing researchers to identify patient-specific targets and potential treatments.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2023

Vision in the brain – hardwired for action

Researchers found that brain circuits in 'deep-blind' zebrafish are fully functional and can drive normal visual behavior through direct stimulation. This study challenges the long-held assumption that neural development depends on visual experience.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Fish reveal cause of altered human facial development

Researchers tested five chemicals on zebrafish embryos and found that all caused impaired migration of bone-forming cells, leading to facial malformation. The study suggests a potential general mechanism underlying teratogenic chemicals and proposes using zebrafish as an alternative method for testing cross-species teratogens.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalToxicological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

How the heart starts beating

Heart cells in developing zebrafish transition from silence to beating in a simultaneous, coordinated manner. Each cell can beat independently, and the heartbeat starts from different locations in different zebrafish.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateSep 27, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Ballet of the brain: Unlocking the choreography of movement

Researchers used a new analytical approach to understand how the brain controls movement and eye stability in zebrafish. By analyzing neuronal activity, they identified two main features that correspond to specific types of movements, including eye rotation and body positioning.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 8, 2023

Nobel-winning bodily ‘pressure sensors’ filmed for first time at Imperial

Imperial researchers have imaged Piezo1 channels in human cells and organs, revealing their role in regulating blood pressure, respiration, bladder control, and the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of their role in fundamental physiological processes and potentially new drug targets for diseases.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2023

NIH zebrafish research included in US Postal Service’s “Life Magnified” stamps

The NIH zebrafish image was taken to study lymphatic vessel development in the brain and has led to a groundbreaking discovery that fish have lymphatic vessels inside their skull. This finding could expedite research into treatments for diseases affecting the human brain, such as cancer and Alzheimer's.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

Gadusol: Nature's sunscreen

A new study reveals that fish produce a chemical sunscreen called Gadusol to protect their eggs from UV radiation, which is essential for their survival. The compound, encoded in the DNA of female fish, prevents damage and mutations caused by UVR exposure.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

In a first, researchers image adaptive immune systems at work in fish

A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison tracks immune cell movement in zebrafish, documenting a strikingly organized network of T cells. The findings shed light on how adaptive immune systems function in non-mammals and present exciting questions to pursue.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2023
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.

Automated detection of embryonic developmental defects

Researchers developed EmbryoNet, an automated image analysis software that uses AI to detect and classify developmental defects in fish embryos. The software outperforms human experts in terms of speed and accuracy, making it a valuable tool for investigating the mechanisms of drug action and studying embryonic development.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 8, 2023

Time-restricted fasting could cause fertility problems

A new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that time-restricted fasting affects reproduction differently in male and female zebrafish. After returning to normal food consumption levels, females increased offspring production at the cost of reduced egg quality, while male sperm quality also decreased.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2023

Muscle health depends on lipid synthesis

A study by IMBA researchers links muscle degeneration to a deficiency in the enzyme PCYT2, essential for lipid synthesis. PCYT2 depletion affects mitochondrial function and muscle energetics, highlighting the importance of lipid balance in muscle health.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

Gigapixel 3D microscope captures life in unprecedented detail

Researchers have developed a high-speed, 3D gigapixel microscope that stitches together dozens of cameras to capture life in unprecedented detail. The device enables the recording of differences in pitch and depth, allowing scientists to study zebrafish behavior and developmental biology without harming the animals.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

How to assemble a complete jaw

A USC-led team of scientists identified the key gene Nr5a2, essential for opening up genome regions that enable neural crest cells to form tendons and salivary glands. Zebrafish and mice lacking this gene exhibited skeletal and tendon defects, as well as failed salivary gland development.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

How nanoplastics can influence metabolism

Researchers at Leipzig University discovered that nanoplastics from PET particles accumulate in organs and cause liver function impairment, oxidative stress, and behavioral abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. The study provides insight into the toxicity pathways induced by PET nanoplastics.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023

Mapping unknown territory

Scientists at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft created an interactive atlas of gene expression in the zebrafish brain, revealing hundreds of genes with single-cell resolution. The new map integrates seamlessly with existing data, providing new insights into neural structure and function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

The harmful effects of immune cells in hypertension

Researchers found that immune cells play a key role in hypertension, weakening blood vessel walls and damaging the blood-brain barrier. Inhibiting inflammatory messengers may be a new therapeutic target for treating hypertension.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCardiovascular Research·DateFeb 23, 2023

CHOP researchers develop first effective preclinical models for most common genetic cause of Leigh Syndrome

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed two new zebrafish models for studying SURF1 mitochondrial disease, a major cause of Leigh syndrome. The team identified two drugs, cysteamine bitartrate and N-acetylcysteine, that showed potential in preventing neurological decompensation in patients with Leigh syndrome.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Discovery in zebrafish may lead to a better understanding of a wide range of mental health disorders related to stress, anxiety

Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified a critical molecule in the development of brain's stress response, which may lead to better understanding of stress-related mental health disorders. Deficiencies in DSCAML1 disrupt brain development and increase cortisol levels, leading to imbalanced stress responses.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateFeb 16, 2023

Rare genetic disease may protect Ashkenazi Jews against TB

Research by University of Cambridge scientists reveals that a rare genetic disorder, Gaucher disease, provides protection against TB due to an unusual fatty chemical that acts as a microbicide. The study suggests that Ashkenazi Jews, who are more susceptible to Gaucher disease, may be less likely to contract TB infection.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Scientists make progress in decoding genetics of insomnia

Researchers have identified a new genetic pathway involved in regulating sleep from fruit flies to humans. The Pig-Q gene is associated with sleep regulation in both humans and animals, providing a novel insight into the genetics of insomnia.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 10, 2023
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.

Lost fish find their way, thanks to their ‘ancient brain’

Scientists discovered a new multiregional hindbrain circuit that enables zebrafish to compute their location and correct course. The study used whole-brain imaging to reveal the circuits involved in this process, which may apply to other vertebrates.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateDec 22, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Study identifies a signaling cascade behind retina regeneration in zebrafish

Researchers have identified a Vegf-Notch signaling system that enables Muller glial cells to regenerate retinal neurons in zebrafish. This discovery may help understand why the human retina does not regenerate and could inform treatments for blindness.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2022

Researchers recreate periodic structure of spine development without biological clocks

A team from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center discovered how segmentation clock genes instruct the tempo of spine formation, opening doors to new basic science research. By inducing segment formation in zebrafish without biological clocks, the researchers aimed to understand the origins of birth defects in humans.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

Gene therapy for heart attacks in mice just got more precise

Scientists at Duke University have made a breakthrough in controlling gene expression in response to injury, using a segment of fish DNA called TREE. The method successfully targeted gene activity to specific regions and time windows, showing promise for regenerating damaged tissues in mammals.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2022
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.

DNA sequence enhances understanding origins of jaws

Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered a crucial DNA sequence in jawed vertebrates that plays a major role in shaping the joint surfaces during embryonic development. This finding has significant implications for understanding the evolution of vertebrate jaws, which is believed to have occurred around 423 million years ago.

SourceUppsala University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2022

Gene plays important role in embryonic development

Researchers identified SHROOM4 gene's role in human embryonic development and its link to congenital malformations. The study found that altering the gene can cause various organ system malformations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Medical Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

Nerve cell discovery may lead to better treatment for diseases of the nervous system

Scientists at King's College London and the University of Bath have made a groundbreaking discovery about a molecule that plays a crucial role in nerve cell development. The study found that this molecule, known as SNRNP70, is not only present in the nucleus but also in the cytoplasm of nerve cells, where it shapes messenger RNA strand...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

Gut bacteria are essential for development of social behavior in fish

Germ-free zebrafish larvae have altered neural connections due to reduced microglia pruning by immune cells. Reintroducing normal microbiota restores normal development and social behavior. Microorganisms stimulate microglial activity, promoting neural connection remodeling.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Researchers find a gut-brain connection for social development

Zebrafish studies reveal a key role of gut microbes in shaping brain circuits responsible for social behavior. The findings suggest a possible translation to mice and humans, offering new insights into neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 1, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Rare human intestinal disorder is due to reduction in protein synthesis

Researchers discovered a link between reduced protein synthesis and Feingold syndrome type 1, a rare genetic disorder. The study suggests that a nutritional supplement may help reverse this decrease, potentially alleviating intestinal symptoms in patients with the condition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

‘Love hormone’ revealed to have heart healing properties

Researchers discover that oxytocin stimulates stem cells to migrate and develop into cardiomyocytes in zebrafish and human cell cultures. This could lead to the regeneration of damaged hearts after a heart attack. The study found that oxytocin also activates EpiPCs, which can replenish lost cardiomyocytes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2022

What goes on in the brain when it gets too hot?

Researchers at NTNU studied zebrafish brain activity while increasing temperature, finding that brains completely stopped responding to stimuli but then 'lit up' when temperatures reached extreme levels. Adding oxygen improved thermal tolerance and recovery rate in fish, suggesting a key role for glial cells in regulating oxygen supply.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Stowers scientists use zebrafish to understand the connection between the immune system and regeneration

Stowers scientists investigate macrophage activation states in zebrafish sensory organ, discovering three distinct anti-inflammatory pathways that may inform human regenerative immunotherapies. The study provides valuable insights into the timing and genetic programs of macrophages, a type of white blood cell, in repair and regeneration.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

Fish to help in search for MS drugs

Researchers replaced zebrafish GPR17 receptor gene with human version to study myelin repair in multiple sclerosis. Testing substances in modified fish larvae may lead to quicker and more successful human trials.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateSep 20, 2022

Genomics study identifies unique set of proteins that restores hearing in zebrafish

Researchers at NIH/National Human Genome Research Institute discovered a network of proteins necessary for restoring hearing in zebrafish through cell regeneration. The study identifies two families of transcription factors that work together to activate hair cell regeneration, offering potential insights into treating human hearing loss.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

A mutated eye offers a glimpse of a key protein for preventing cancer

A mutated zebrafish eye provides a glimpse into the role of banp in preventing cell death and regulating the cell cycle. The study found that banp promotes the expression of 31 genes involved in DNA repair, tumor suppression, and cell duplication.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2022

How the zebrafish repairs a broken heart

Researchers at Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine found that zebrafish can regenerate heart tissue after injury due to activated fibroblasts. The fibroblasts, which temporarily enter an activated state, read a series of genes responsible for forming proteins, enabling the regeneration process.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Lymphatics help ‘seed’ early brain cells in zebrafish

Researchers have discovered that lymphatics, which remove waste from the body, also help seed early brain cells in zebrafish. The study found that precursor cells expressing a specific gene migrate to the brain via lymphatic vessels, highlighting the importance of these vessels in microglia development and brain function.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 19, 2022

A brain network for social attraction

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute have discovered a specialized neural circuit in zebrafish that enables recognition of conspecifics. This pathway, which runs from the retina to the thalamus, triggers shoaling behavior and regulates social approach and affiliation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJul 14, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Largest genetic atlas for zebrafish ‘breakthrough’ for biomedical research

Researchers have created the largest genetic atlas for zebrafish, which provides a comprehensive understanding of gene expression and developmental dynamics. The atlas, developed by the DANIO-CODE consortium, offers a broad picture of candidate DNA regions for transgenic breeding and genetic research into development and diseases.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 4, 2022