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Growing teeth and a backbone: Studies trace early origins of skeletal tissues

Researchers have found that the scales of sharks and skates share a common origin with teeth, and that ancient fishes had multiple layers of armor. Meanwhile, studies on backbone formation reveal a shared evolutionary history between jawed vertebrates, including humans.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2017
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.

Novel technology pioneered by Stanford ties brain circuits to alertness

Researchers employed MultiMAP technology to monitor nerve cells' activity in zebrafish brains, linking each neuron to its specific cell type. This method revealed distinct neuronal circuits not previously suspected to be associated with alertness, shedding light on the forces driving this essential brain state.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 2, 2017

Introduction of a novel system for in vitro analyses of zebrafish oligodendrocyte progenitor cells

Researchers have developed a novel in vitro platform to analyze zebrafish oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, which could lead to improved spinal cord repair in humans. The system allows for efficient and controlled analysis of these cells, enabling the study of their differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateOct 23, 2017

New clues to treat Alagille Syndrome from zebrafish

A new study published in Nature Communications identifies the cells and genes necessary to make liver ducts in zebrafish, which could lead to the development of new treatments for Alagille syndrome. The research team discovered that Jagged signals come from an unexpected cell type, endoderm-derived cells within the liver itself, stimul...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Genetic body/brain connection identified in genomic region linked to autism

Researchers found a direct connection between deletions in two genes in the 16p11.2 region of human chromosome 16 and certain brain and body traits, including seizures, hyperactivity, and obesity. The study suggests that multiple genes interact to produce various characteristics.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateOct 6, 2017

UQ study shines a light to understand the body's balance system

A University of Queensland team has made a breakthrough in understanding the vestibular system, which controls balance and movement. Using optical tweezers, they were able to activate the vestibular system without the animal moving, allowing for the study of neural circuits in the brain that mediate vestibular perception.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Tension makes the heart grow stronger

Researchers found that mechanical tension plays a crucial role in the regeneration of zebrafish hearts, with supersized cells leading the way and smaller cells multiplying to cover the surface. The study's findings open up new possibilities for developing bioengineering approaches to human heart disease.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 25, 2017

Rainbow colors reveal cell history

Researchers developed a method to trace the history of beta-cells in zebrafish, revealing dynamic sub-populations with different developmental histories. These findings have implications for understanding diabetes progression and developing effective strategies for beta-cell regeneration and protection.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2017

When fish swim in the holodeck

Scientists have developed a system called FreemoVR, which immerses freely-moving animals in a reactive, three-dimensional world controlled by a computer. This allows researchers to study complex interactions of neurons in different brain regions while maintaining natural sensory input and feedback.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 21, 2017

Researchers want to know how early life affects the adult brain

Researchers studied zebrafish to understand how early life affects brain development and behavior in adults, finding that visual environment influences spontaneous brain activity. Dark rearing also reduced the larvae's ability to catch prey, suggesting environmental input impacts brain wiring and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 3, 2017
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.

Immune system found to control eye tissue renewal in zebrafish

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that controlling the immune system's cell reactivity to injury can accelerate eye tissue regeneration in zebrafish. This finding may lead to new strategies for combating degenerative eye diseases in humans.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2017

How to cryopreserve fish embryos and bring them back to life (video)

Researchers have successfully cryopreserved and revived zebrafish embryos using a novel method involving plasmonic gold nanoparticles. The technique has the potential to be applied to other species with similar embryonic sizes and structures, offering a breakthrough in preserving aquatic biodiversity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 13, 2017
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.

Multichannel EEG recordings enable precise brain wave measurement of fish

Researchers at DGIST have successfully measured zebrafish's multi-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) using a non-invasive method. This breakthrough enables precise observation and study on the generation of EEG in specific areas of the brain, with potential applications in developing new drugs for epilepsy syndrome.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 5, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lights out: The neural relationship between light and sleep

A specific protein called prokineticin 2 plays a critical role in setting the correct balance between sleep and wakefulness in response to light and darkness. The study found that Prok2 suppresses the awakening effect of light and the sedating effect of darkness, suggesting a new mechanism for regulating sleep behavior.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateJun 23, 2017

Vitamin D promotes fatty acid oxidation in zebrafish adipose tissue

Researchers found that Vitamin D3 stimulates lipid metabolism through VDR-RXR heterodimers, activating Pgc1a for mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism. This study reveals a basal nonskeletal effect of ancient VD/VDR signaling in teleosts.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 16, 2017

3-D models reveal hidden details of zebrafish behavior

A research team created 3D models to analyze zebrafish behavior, revealing significant compromises in 2D-scored behaviors. The study confirmed that 3D approaches underestimate locomotion and overestimate spatial preference, leading to false positives and false negatives.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 16, 2017
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.

Scientists surprised to discover lymphatic 'scavenger' brain cells

Scientists at the University of Queensland have identified a new type of lymphatic brain cell in zebrafish that surrounds the brain and clears damaging cellular waste. This discovery provides insight into how the brain forms and functions, potentially leading to new treatments for neurological diseases like stroke and dementia.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 1, 2017

'Eating with the eyes' is hard-wired in the brain

Researchers at Japan's National Institute of Genetics discovered a direct neural link connecting the brain's visual system to its feeding center, linking visual perception of food to feeding motivation. This study, using genetically engineered zebrafish, shows that 'eating with the eyes' is deeply rooted in evolution.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2017

Painkillers relieve zebrafish larvae discomfort

Researchers have found that pain relief medication can ease the discomfort of zebrafish larvae, offering a potential replacement for adult fish used in scientific research. This breakthrough reduces animal suffering and paves the way for more humane testing methods.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 19, 2017

NIH researchers trace origin of blood-brain barrier 'sentry cells'

Researchers have determined that fluorescent granular perithelial cells, which protect the brain against diseases, arise from endothelial cells in the circulatory system. This finding may contribute to understanding cognitive decline of aging and HIV infection of brain cells.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateApr 11, 2017
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Fish eyes to help understand human inherited blindness

Researchers have identified a key gene in zebrafish that causes congenital blindness, which could hold the key to treating a similar disease in humans. The study found that the gene affects cone photoreceptors and leads to degeneration without impacting rod cells.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 5, 2017

Researchers watch blood vessels develop in whole Zebrafish embryos

Researchers have successfully visualized the development of blood vessels in zebrafish embryos without labels or contrast agents, enabling better understanding of brain and cardiovascular diseases. The new study uses optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy to provide three-dimensional images with high spatial resolution.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateMar 30, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Zebrafish without stripes

Dowling-Degos disease patients with PSENEN gene mutations display unusual pigment cell behavior in zebrafish, leading to similar skin patterns. The discovery provides new insights into the causes of acne inversa and its link to the genetic disorder.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 2017

Fish eyes may hold key to regenerating human retinas

Scientists have identified GABA as a signal that triggers self-repair in fish retinas. They believe this could be the key to regenerating human retinas, naturally repairing damage caused by degenerative diseases. The researchers are now pursuing further studies with mice and zebrafish to confirm their findings.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 9, 2017

NIH-funded study helps explain how zebrafish recover from blinding injuries

Researchers discovered that decreased levels of neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) trigger the retina to produce stem cells in zebrafish, shedding light on retinal regeneration. The finding informs efforts to restore vision in people who are blind and has implications for regenerative medicine.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 9, 2017
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.

Principles of 3-D genome folding and gene expression studied across species

Scientists have examined the globin gene cluster in zebrafish to understand 3D genome folding and its relationship to gene expression. They found that adult and embryonic globin genes are spatially separated in the genome, with distinct chromatin domains and organization.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMar 7, 2017

Short bowel syndrome results in changes to gene expression

Short bowel syndrome results in significant changes to gene expression, including increased cell proliferation and immune response. The study provides a map of these alterations, potentially leading to new therapies for SBS patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalBMC Genomics·DateJan 25, 2017

Balance may rely on the timing of movement

Researchers studying zebrafish found that early improvements in balance emerge from growing ability to execute quick swims in response to instability. Zebrafish learn to correct movements and become more stable over time.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 19, 2017

Swimming for science

A team of researchers from NYU Tandon School of Engineering has developed a 3D platform to simulate zebrafish behavior, which can potentially replace animal testing in certain types of research. The model was calibrated on real-life data and allows for rapid simulations that reduce the need for animal subjects.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 12, 2017
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Harnessing the power of predatory bacteria as a 'living antibiotic'

Researchers have successfully used Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a predatory bacterium, to clear multi-drug resistant Shigella infections in zebrafish. The bacteria works alongside the host's immune system, showing promise as a living antibiotic for tackling drug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 23, 2016

How do you mend a broken heart?

A University of Pittsburgh researcher has successfully regenerates heart tissues in mice using components from zebrafish, a skill lost among humans and other mammals. Human heart cells have also shown promising results in vitro, paving the way for potential treatments for heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 22, 2016

Common probiotics can reduce stress levels, lessen anxiety

Researchers found that common probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum decreases stress-related behavior and anxiety in zebrafish, leading to increased signaling of neurotransmitters. Probiotics may have a positive impact on human stress levels, as their effects on the central nervous system are being studied.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 21, 2016
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Tests show BioEYES increases science understanding and positive attitudes

A five-year study found BioEYES significantly improves elementary, middle school, and high school students' science knowledge and positive attitudes towards science. The program increased students' ability to imagine themselves as scientists, with the greatest effect on attitude changes among younger students.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 10, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

When fish come to school, kids get hooked on science

A new study published in PLOS Biology found that a program teaching biology through raising zebrafish from embryos improves students' knowledge of scientific concepts and their attitudes towards science. The program, BioEYES, was shown to be particularly effective in engaging underrepresented minorities.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 10, 2016

A secret ingredient to help heal spinal cord injuries?

Scientists have found a key protein, connective tissue growth factor A (ctgfa), that facilitates spinal cord regeneration in zebrafish. The protein promotes the formation of bridges across damaged tissue, leading to improved healing outcomes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2016

Scientists find key protein for spinal cord repair

Researchers at Duke University have identified a crucial protein, CTGF, essential for spinal cord regeneration in zebrafish. By introducing the human version of CTGF, they were able to boost regeneration and improve swimming abilities in fish.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Advances in Alzheimer's research by Dr. Caghan Kizil and his research group

A new study published in Cell Reports identifies two proteins relevant to Alzheimer's disease, Interleukin-4 and STAT6, which play a crucial role in neural stem cell proliferation and formation of new neurons. This discovery offers hope for the development of regenerative therapies for Alzheimer's.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 21, 2016

Tweaking the immune response might be a key to combat neurodegeneration

A recent study suggests that manipulating the immune response in adult zebrafish brains could lead to the activation of neural stem cells and the proliferation of new neurons. This finding has significant implications for the potential development of novel therapies against Alzheimer's disease.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 19, 2016

Blocking key gene reduces cigarette smoke toxicity in fish embryos

A study led by Duke University researchers found that blocking the production of a key receptor can reduce the toxicity of cigarette smoke on zebrafish embryos. The receptors were found to play a role in early embryonic development, particularly the formation of bone, heart and muscle tissues.

SourceDuke University·JournalToxicology and Applied Pharmacology·DateOct 3, 2016

Two MDC researchers win European Research Council grants

Systems biologist Jan Philipp Junker and molecular geneticist Gaetano Gargiulo have each received a €1.5 million ERC Starting Grant to study cellular processes in zebrafish and glioblastoma, respectively. Their research aims to understand the mechanisms behind variable phenomena in developmental biology.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·DateSep 2, 2016
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.

Fish get arthritis, too

Scientists have discovered that zebrafish are susceptible to arthritis, mirroring the condition in humans and other mammals. The study uses zebrafish as a model to accelerate therapeutic research into preventing or easing osteoarthritis.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJul 14, 2016

Zebrafish reveal the ups and downs of vision

Researchers have discovered specific cell types and mechanisms responsible for orientation selectivity in the retina of zebrafish, shedding light on how we perceive and recognize visual stimuli. The study reveals that mutating a key protein called Teneurin-3 leads to a loss of orientation selectivity in neurons.

SourceKing's College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 30, 2016

UCLA scientists discover protective strategy against pesticide-linked Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that eliminating α-synuclein protein protects zebrafish from ziram-induced dopamine loss and provides potential treatment for pesticide-exposed Parkinson's patients. This study supports the approach of targeting α-synuclein to slow or stop disease progression in most people with Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJun 15, 2016
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.

Scoliosis linked to disruptions in spinal fluid flow

Researchers found that repairing mutated cilia genes restored cerebrospinal fluid flow and prevented spinal curves from developing in zebrafish. If translatable to humans, the study could lead to a non-surgical approach for treating idiopathic scoliosis.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateJun 10, 2016

What can we learn from zebrafish about human blood disorders?

Researchers discuss zebrafish as a model system for studying normal hematopoiesis and blood disorders. The review highlights the knowledge gained from studies of zebrafish, including large-scale forward genetic screens and modeling of human genes to create transgenic zebrafish.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateMay 6, 2016