Articles tagged with Zebrafish
Scientists studied embryonic development in fish and cartilaginous fish, revealing that the jaw shares a common developmental origin with the gill. The findings support the theory that the jaw evolved by modification of an ancestral gill, which was previously considered controversial.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet describe a new way of generating insulin-producing cells using a molecule that stimulates protein synthesis and boosts insulin production. The study shows promise for treating type 1 and 2 diabetes, potentially increasing the number of insulin-producing pancreatic β cells.
Researchers found that lab zebrafish have lost physiological plasticity, a characteristic that allows organisms to adjust to different environments, over time. This loss affects their ability to perform consistently across a wide range of temperatures, highlighting the costs of domestication.
Researchers created a zebrafish model to study Bloom syndrome, uncovering similarities and species-specific novelties. The study found reduced fertility and shorter lifespan in mutant zebrafish, which are entirely male.
Researchers have discovered a new sleep molecule, microRNA-137 (miR-137), that regulates hypocretin levels for normal sleep. The study found that miR-137 is associated with hypocretin regulation and sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and insomnia.
Researchers tracked brain cell activity in zebrafish during seizures, finding that seizures arise from an excess of excitatory over inhibitory neuron activity in confined regions. The findings suggest a nuanced role for both excitation and inhibition in seizure origins.
A new study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety reveals that microplastics in the Cauvery River may be causing growth defects in fish, including skeletal deformities and DNA damage. The study found that pollutants from slow-flowing and stagnant sites caused significant harm to zebrafish embryos.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus discovered a reactivated protein, Hand2, in certain cases of mesothelioma, which may lead to new treatments. The study aims to investigate the cause and effect of this reactivation.
Researchers at the University of Maine used zebrafish to test the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on muscle strength and structure. The study found that only one NMES regimen, endurance neuromuscular stimulation (eNMES), improved muscle health when combined with an antioxidant and a specific receptor.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University identified the strip1 gene as essential for keeping retinal ganglion cells alive. The gene suppresses Jun-mediated apoptosis, promoting correct neural circuit formation in the retina. This finding opens promising new avenues for treating diseases like glaucoma.
Researchers created a comprehensive genomic regulatory map of a 24-hour-old zebrafish embryo, identifying millions of regulatory segments that control gene transcription. The study used single-cell technologies and machine learning algorithms to analyze genome data from over 23,000 nuclei.
Researchers discovered that fish generate movable vortex pairs of high- and low-pressure regions to propel themselves forward. This process involves precise control of body fluctuations, which enables the fish to swim with high motion control and flexibility.
A new study by Uppsala University researchers discovered that CRISPR-Cas9 can generate unexpected, heritable DNA mutations in zebrafish, highlighting the need for careful validation before using the method for medical purposes.
A new study has discovered a type of astrocyte glial cell, named EROB cells, that responds to oestrogens and is involved in the development of the sense of smell in zebrafish embryos. The research shows that oestrogens regulate the development of the olfactory sensory system via these cells.
Researchers from the Crump Lab created a series of atlases to study the molecular decisions of cranial neural crest cells, identifying genetic signs that point to specific destinies. Their findings reveal a new approach to understanding head development and regeneration in vertebrates.
A team of researchers found a connection between energy production and Alzheimer's disease in zebrafish with mutated genes. They discovered that Alzheimer's disease affects the use of oxygen within cells to produce energy, leading to severe deficiency in brain function.
A team of researchers has identified a mechanical process by which sheets of cells morph into complex shapes, enabling organs to function. The process involves the production of hyaluronic acid, which swells with water and is constrained by thin connectors between cells.
Researchers have created a new approach to edit genes within specific bacteria in a community using CRISPR-Cas9, enabling targeted genetic modifications. This technology could be used to track edited microbes and potentially treat diseases like digestive issues or create more resilient crops.
Researchers have created the first patient-specific zebrafish model for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), a heart disease caused by a genetic mutation. The model recapitulates the human form of ACM, including fat accumulation in the heart and changes in calcium levels, and shows promise for relieving symptoms.
Scientists have identified a mechanism contributing to the tissue phenotypes of PMM2-CDG, a congenital disorder of glycosylation. Using a zebrafish model, researchers found that defects in N-cadherin processing lead to craniofacial and motility abnormalities.
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, migrate to the retina using blood vessels as pathways and require neurogenesis for colonization. The study provides insights into microglial migration and its implications for neurodegenerative diseases.
A new approach has been developed to identify proteins affected by pollutants and chemicals, allowing for early detection of harmful biological effects. The method, called PISA, can be used to study the interactions between chemicals and proteins, revealing potential toxicity pathways.
A new study reveals that glial cells in the heart play a critical role in regulating heart rate and rhythm, as well as driving its development in the embryo. The discovery suggests that glia may also be important in other organs.
Researchers at CNIC have identified the essential role of GPR126 in placental development, revealing its critical function in fetal growth and viability. The study also highlights a possible link between GPR126 dysfunction and pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia.
Researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of polymer-coated nanoparticles in delivering drugs to the brain, overcoming the blood-brain barrier challenge. The study showed that zwitterionic polymers improve accessibility but are rapidly absorbed by blood vessel walls.
A study suggests that suppressing the protective mechanisms of rogue blood stem cells can help curb clonal hematopoiesis and prevent leukemia. The researchers used zebrafish with colored 'barcodes' to track the dominance of cancerous clones, revealing a connection between anti-inflammatory genes and resistance to inflammation.
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 technique to edit genes in zebrafish larvae, altering individual behavioral responses and group behavior. The study suggests two simple visuomotor reflexes explain the collective behavior of zebrafish.
A new study reveals that non-mammalian vertebrates may have an efficient way of deciphering between color and greyscale information. Zebrafish were found to use four types of cone-photoreceptors, which respond to different wavelengths, to distinguish color in a simpler manner than humans.
Researchers used zebrafish to study spinal cord development and its role in controlling new movements, discovering patterns of neural activity that can be applied to human locomotor activities like walking and swimming. The study aims to improve treatments for movement disorders by identifying target neurons for restoration.
New research in zebrafish reveals the genetic mechanisms behind blue and green color vision loss in human ancestors. By studying gene editing tools and genome sequencing, experts understand how genes are regulated to detect different light wavelengths.
Scientists have developed an improved technique to trace brain connections between neurons in zebrafish using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), enabling the visualization of connected neurons up to five days after infection. This breakthrough could provide insights into brain network connectivity repair after injury or disease.
Researchers discovered zebrafish neurons that monitor prediction errors to efficiently avoid danger, creating a 'hazard map' in the brain. This study sheds light on brain circuits shared across vertebrates, including humans.
Scientists have developed a new therapy that combines bacteriophages with antibiotics to treat antibiotic-resistant infections, specifically targeting Mycobacterium abscessus. The treatment, using the bacteriophage 'Muddy', showed significant improvement in survival rates and severity of infections when paired with rifabutin, demonstra...
Robyn Tanguay, a renowned toxicologist, has received an $8 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. She plans to use this funding to conduct large-scale studies on zebrafish embryos exposed to 10,000 common chemicals, which could lead to significant breakthroughs in predictive toxicology.
The new MIC-Drop technology enables rapid evaluation of hundreds of genes in a single experiment, improving large-scale genetic studies. Researchers can identify essential genes for healthy heart development and function.
Catherina Becker, a neurobiologist, has been awarded the prestigious Humboldt Professorship to strengthen CRTD's research on spinal cord regeneration in zebrafish. Her team has made significant discoveries on the mechanisms behind successful spinal cord regeneration.
Summer Thyme, a University of Alabama at Birmingham assistant professor, is one of five Pew Scholars focusing on brain research. Her $75,000 grant will support her four-year investigation into neurodevelopmental disease using zebrafish.
Researchers discover that cytosolic dsDNA from mitochondria can cause cell death and neurodegeneration in PD patients. A new approach using DNAse II may help counteract this effect, potentially leading to a breakthrough in treating Parkinson's Disease.
A University of Alberta study found that zebrafish exposed to cannabis compounds in early development exhibit reduced neural activity later in life. The study suggests that similar effects may occur in humans, particularly during pregnancy. Neural activity decreased by 60-70% in groups exposed to THC and CBD.
A team led by Iain Drummond, Ph.D. has identified the signaling mechanisms underlying podocyte formation, a crucial process in kidney function. The discovery could lead to new therapies to stimulate regeneration of these cells, vital for ridding the body of toxins and treating conditions like chronic kidney disease.
A new, rapid screening approach using CRISPR/Cas9 technology identified immune system-related genes crucial for zebrafish spinal cord injury repair. The study found four genes essential for repairing severed spinal nerve connections.
A team of international researchers has shown that the network of nerves connecting eyes to brains evolved at least 450 million years ago in ancient fish, predating animals living on land. This discovery challenges existing theories and has implications for future health research.
Researchers created a zebrafish model to study pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a rare genetic disease causing calcification in the retina and vascular system. The new model provides insights into the disease's mechanisms and identifies potential drug targets.
Researchers found that a point mutation in the zebrafish slc20a1b gene significantly reduces the proliferation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, resulting in a severe defect of hematopoietic development. The study reveals the indispensable role of slc20a1b in HSPCs, highlighting a novel regulation gene for cell cycle expansion.
Researchers at Greenwood Genetic Center have identified cholesterol accumulation as a key contributor to the symptoms of genetic movement disorders, including seizures and balance issues. The study provides new hope for treatments targeting cholesterol accumulation, such as the drug 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, which showed signi...
Researchers have confirmed the safety of an anti-inflammatory peptide, TnP, which shows promise in treating chronic inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis. The peptide has been tested in zebrafish and shown to be non-toxic, crossing the blood-brain barrier without causing neurological problems.
Researchers have identified a key gene in zebrafish cardiac rhythm, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of cardiac arrhythmia in humans. The gene, Tmem161b, is found to play a central function in controlling heart rhythm, with mutations potentially causing fatal arrhythmias.
Scientists at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute have identified a zebrafish model that can help advance glioblastoma multiforme research. The study shows similar observations in zebrafish and highlights the potential of zebrafish as an additional platform for cancer drug discovery.
Researchers at Harvard University discovered that zebrafish fins can be transformed into complex limb-like structures through genetic mutations. The study reveals that the ability to form limb-like structures was present in the common ancestor of tetrapods and teleost fishes.
Harvard scientists engineered zebrafish with limb-like appendages through a single genetic mutation, revealing the beginning formation of limb structures and their potential to evolve from fins. The discovery sheds light on vertebrate evolution, fin-to-limb transition, and the complex structures that enable land movement.
Researchers used a novel imaging technique to study motor deficits in ALS, revealing asymmetrical movement patterns and limited capacity. The technique, called DECALF, captured three-dimensional motion of zebrafish in real-time.
Researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft found a neural circuit in zebrafish that enables them to focus on one stimulus over others, allowing for escape from predators. The circuit involves the tectum and nucleus isthmi brain regions.
Researchers discovered that certain gene pairs are essential for healthy spine development in zebrafish, which can provide insights into human congenital scoliosis. The findings suggest that separating these genes leads to disease development under environmental stress.
A team of Virginia Tech scientists has identified a new link between seizures and connexin 36 deficiency in zebrafish models. The study found that connexin 36 deficiency altered the susceptibility to neuronal hyperactivity, which may contribute to the onset of subsequent seizures.
Researchers found that zebrafish evolved higher thermal tolerance over six generations, but only at a slow rate of approximately 0.04°C per generation, which may not be enough to keep pace with rising water temperatures.
Researchers used zebrafish to study the effects of chronic stress, finding that it can lead to anxiety-like conditions and serotonin metabolism deficits. The study suggests that zebrafish can be a valuable translational model for researching complex neurobiological conditions.
A recent study found that zebrafish, a tropical fish species, can develop heat tolerance but may not be able to adapt quickly enough to the rapid pace of global warming. The researchers bred over 20,000 individuals in six generations, with evolution increasing heat tolerance by only 0.04 degrees C per generation.
Researchers created artificial liver organoids from zebrafish cells, allowing for chronic toxicity testing in a shorter time. This alternative method to animal testing may replace traditional zebrafish tests without ethical issues.
Researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have discovered a new form of DNA methylation in zebrafish, specifically at TGCT repeats. This discovery could lead to the development of new experimental models for studying how DNA modifications impact human development and disease.
Researchers found a brain molecule called Pth2 that changes expression levels in response to social conditions. When zebrafish are isolated, Pth2 disappears, but its levels rapidly rise when they're added back into a group, indicating a 'thermometer' effect.