Articles tagged with Zebrafish
Researchers have solved the long-standing question of what triggers the alarm response in fish by identifying two distinct chemical signals: Daniol sulphate and Ostariopterin. These substances convey separate pieces of information that must be detected simultaneously to trigger a flight-or-freeze response.
A recent study by CNRS scientists shows that zebrafish larvae without functional eyes still maintain synchronized circadian rhythms with light-dark cycles. This finding suggests alternative neural circuits may set the biological clock in some species.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scientists have discovered a suitable combination of chemical compounds that can preserve adult zebrafish hearts for up to 5 days at -10°C. This breakthrough could potentially be used for the preservation of other organs before transplantation, revolutionizing organ donation and increasing the chances of successful transplants.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a noninvasive MRI method for adult zebrafish, capturing high-resolution images of organs. The study found significant brain growth in zebrafish with SURF1 gene deficiency and smaller heart and spinal cord volumes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Patients with GATA2 deficiency have impaired ability to produce immune cells, leading to increased risk of recurrent infections and blood cancers. The study's findings suggest that a zebrafish model may help develop new treatments to slow or reverse the disease.
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.
Researchers have discovered a key mechanism behind zebrafish heart regeneration, which has been found to be evolutionary conserved in human and mouse heart muscle cells. The study suggests that manipulating this mechanism could lead to the development of new therapies for cardiovascular diseases.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers used zebrafish to study an inflammatory lipid called 5-oxoETE, which plays a role in airway inflammation and neutrophil response. The study identified the 5-oxoETE/OXER1 pathway as an important immune pathway that may prevent some cancers.
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.
Research reveals that cilia function as creators and sensors of biomechanical forces in the developing embryo, shaping the left-right body plan. Cilia sense flow forces and translate them into calcium signals controlling left-right development.
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.
Researchers discovered a neural system for self-localization in larval zebrafish using whole-brain functional imaging. The multiregional hindbrain circuit integrates visual information to form a memory of past displacements, correcting for accumulated displacements over many seconds.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that graphene oxide exposure altered the gut microbiome and triggered a type 2 immune response in zebrafish, which could inform strategies to mitigate adverse effects of nanomaterials.
A new mesoscopic oblique plane microscopy method captures up to three times more resolvable image points than other similar systems, enabling whole-body volumetric recordings of neuronal activity and blood flow dynamics. The technique allows for single-cell tracking within the complete 3D circulation system for the first time.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new method of modifying our immune system has been demonstrated in a study published in Advanced Science, which could help treat skin cancer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scientists developed a laser-based zebrafish model to simulate traumatic brain injuries and identify molecular targets for treatment. The model revealed the importance of microglia activation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in brain recovery.
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.
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.
Researchers developed a new technique to track single blood stem cells in live organisms and describe their ultrastructure using electron microscopy. This allows for better understanding of cell-cell interactions and potential therapeutics for blood diseases and cancers.
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.
Researchers found that high temperatures induce epigenetic changes in zebrafish embryos, leading to sex reversal and altering the sex ratio. This study provides insights into the mechanisms behind climate change's impact on species with genotype-by-environment sex determination.
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.
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.