Articles tagged with Zebrafish
Researchers studied gustatory computations in zebrafish brainstem circuits, revealing that taste categories are represented by dissimilar responses and generate different behaviors. The study proposed a central role for encoding category, concentration, and mixtures of taste in these circuits.
A recent study published in Neuron shows that brain layers facilitate the rapid development of neuronal circuits, but are not essential for establishing cell-type specific connections. The researchers used zebrafish as a model system to demonstrate this and found that layer formation is necessary for speeding up circuit assembly.
A new study reveals that certain 3D printed parts are highly toxic to zebrafish embryos, causing lower survival rates and malformations. Treating the parts with UV light may reduce some side effects, emphasizing the need for safe disposal strategies.
Researchers have successfully mapped the electrical activity of developing hearts in embryos using highly sensitive sensors. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of how heart rhythm abnormalities develop and improve diagnosis and treatment options.
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have discovered a repair and renewal mechanism in protein movement within hair cells of the inner ear. The study found that constant movement and replacement of proteins serve a maintenance and even repair function, potentially reversing hearing loss.
Researchers found that parts from both types of 3D printers were toxic to zebrafish embryos, with liquid-based printer parts being the most toxic. A post-printing treatment using ultraviolet light reduced toxicity levels.
A zebrafish study has discovered that serotonin boosts the growth of new motor neurons after a spinal cord injury, a finding that could lead to new therapies for neurodegenerative conditions. Researchers hope that understanding this repair mechanism in zebrafish may eventually trigger similar processes in human stem cells.
A recent study using zebrafish has uncovered new insights into the causes of congenital heart defects associated with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. The research found that lowering levels of a specific cohesin protein in embryonic zebrafish produces similar types of heart defects as those found in people with CdLS.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new zebrafish model to study Cryptococcal meningitis, allowing for real-time observation of the infection's spread. This model will enable scientists to test drug compounds and identify potential therapeutic targets, offering hope for disrupting this deadly brain infection.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have identified epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) that enhance stem cell engraftment in zebrafish and mice. These compounds could improve bone marrow transplants by allowing the use of more umbilical cord blood units, increasing patient chances of finding a matched donor.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have developed a novel zebrafish model to study short bowel syndrome, which may lead to better care for patients. The model enables the study of adaptation in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
Researchers at NHGRI create high-throughput gene editing system in zebrafish, allowing for simultaneous targeting and mutation of multiple genes. This method accelerates discovery of gene function and identification of disease genes in humans.
Researchers from Oregon State University found zebrafish produce a chemical called gadusol to protect against UV radiation. Gadusol's successful production in yeast opens the door to large-scale commercialization.
A recent study by Duke University researchers has shed light on the epicardium, a mysterious outer layer of the heart known to regrow cardiac tissue in zebrafish. The findings suggest that this layer is critical for regeneration and may hold key to repairing damaged hearts in humans.
Vitamin E deficiency may lead to neurological damage by interrupting the supply of essential nutrients and robbing the brain of necessary building blocks. The study found that zebrafish fed a vitamin E deficient diet had lower levels of DHA-PC, a critical component of brain cells.
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a robotic predator that can spook zebrafish just as well as a real one, revealing new insights into fear and anxiety in animal populations. The robot's effectiveness was comparable to that of live red tiger oscar, but with more consistent avoidance responses.
Researchers at TGen are using zebrafish to accelerate investigations of pancreatic cancer, with the goal of finding therapeutics that can slow down and reverse tumor growth. The study is funded by the Seena Magowitz Foundation and aims to understand how pancreatic cancer invades local tissue and spreads to other organs.
Gene duplication events in early vertebrate evolution led to the development of novel functions in vertebrate eyes, including distinct opsins and transducin proteins. These specializations enable vertebrates to adapt to their environments, such as detecting ultraviolet light and responding to varying light intensities.
A genome-wide screen of zebrafish identified an enzyme, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-aa (pappaa), that promotes learning and memory by increasing IGF availability to neurons. The study's findings have implications for understanding human neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Researchers discovered a gene called Plexin D1 that controls fat storage and cell shape, which is associated with health risks. Zebrafish without the gene had less abdominal fat and were protected from insulin resistance.
Researchers found that zebrafish larvae with a mutation unable to produce melatonin slept half as long as normal fish. When the mutation was 'cured' by killing pineal gland cells, the fish returned to a normal sleep pattern. The study suggests naturally occurring melatonin plays an important role in regulating sleep.
UC Riverside researchers develop unique model system to study environmental effects of copper nanoparticles. The studies show that properly functioning septic tanks can eliminate toxicity of nanoparticles, providing encouraging results for human health and ecosystem implications.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that the epigenome plays a significant part in guiding development in zebrafish embryos within the first 24 hours after fertilization. The study suggests an underappreciated fraction of the genome is involved in gene regulation, with many noncoding regions acting as developmental enhancers.
Duke researchers have identified the uhrf1 gene as a key regulator of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels, which are associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The study found that loss of uhrf1 leads to increased TNF production, which can cause inflammation and damage to the digestive tract.
Researchers investigate the communications behind swarming behavior using a combination of robotic replicas and live zebrafish, shedding light on the complex information flow within animal groups. The study's findings have implications for behavioral brain research and neuropsychobiology.
The study of zebrafish at the European Zebrafish Resource Center has shown that signaling molecules are transmitted in bundles via long filopodia, influencing signaling properties and tissue development. This precise control enables cells to develop their special structure and function.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) can cause alterations in brain development leading to hyperactivity in zebrafish. The chemicals were shown to increase the number of neurons born too soon, resulting in problems with neural connections and circuits.
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a mathematical model that can predict aspects of animal behavior using stock market models. This new model allows for more efficient experimentation and improved data analysis, enabling researchers to replace some experiments with computer modeling.
Scientists have discovered the role of thyroid hormone in the formation of zebrafish stripes and have found that cells responsible for producing orange color can transform into xanthophores through a process called 'transdifferentiation'. This finding could provide clues to regeneration of tissues and organs without stem cells.
A study published in the journal Development reveals that cells at the head-trunk junction communicate not only about tissue type but also location, ensuring proper alignment. The findings have important implications for treating congenital defects like Spina Bifida and Chiari malformations.
Scientists discovered that cells organize themselves to influence communication within a group. By forming huddles, cells trap and concentrate signals like FGF, enabling them to make decisions that affect organ formation and behavior. This strategy may play a role in wound repair and cancer.
Researchers used zebrafish to study a rare genetic disorder affecting a boy and his uncles, identifying a mutation in the RPL10 gene as the likely cause of their symptoms. The findings provide crucial first steps towards further research into the molecular details of the disease.
Researchers use zebrafish and rodents to identify efficient RNA delivery vehicles, a major breakthrough in disease treatment development. The technology enables the rapid testing of hundreds of drug-delivery systems, overcoming a significant bottleneck in biotech research.
A team from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that some behavioral defects in NF1 fish are not related to abnormal Ras, but can be corrected by drugs targeting another signaling pathway controlled by cAMP. Learning and memory defects can be treated with drugs modulating the Ras pathway.
Researchers use a virus and zebrafish to map the living brain, revealing connections between cells and potential causes of conditions like autism and schizophrenia. The study's findings could lead to better understanding of neural circuits and related behaviors.
Scientists used zebrafish as a model to study the regulation of stem cells in nerve tissue, discovering a previously unknown process that may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. They found that reducing miRNA-132 levels in zebrafish impairs stem cell development and blocks further maturation into nerve cells.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics have developed a method to capture detailed three-dimensional images of cardiac dynamics in zebrafish. By combining high-speed Selective Plane Illumination Microscopy and clever image processing, they reconstructed multi-view movie stacks of the beating heart.
Austrian researchers found that fresh, young red blood cells can counterbalance the negative effects of jetlag on the cardiovascular system. Blood donations may help reduce the risk of heart disease in shift workers by stimulating the generation of new, healthy erythrocytes.
Researchers have developed a new method to grow zebrafish embryonic stem cells for over 2 years without a feeder cell layer, simplifying their use and expanding their utility. The ability to establish and grow these stem cells enables exciting cellular and molecular genetic manipulations.
A zebrafish model has identified a drug compound that appears to reverse arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), a hereditary disease leading to sudden death in young people. The findings provide a key first step in developing new therapies for this condition, for which there is currently no preventive treatment.
Researchers have discovered a new target, human plastin 3 (PLS3), that may be critical for the treatment of osteoporosis. Injection of PLS3 or related proteins in zebrafish where it has been suppressed can replace its loss and repair bone development anomalies.
Researchers found that zebrafish exposed to alcohol exhibited increased swimming speeds in the presence of peers, while unexposed fish modulated their behavior accordingly. This social influence may constitute a form of leadership, challenging traditional views on individual responses to alcohol.
Researchers have identified various transcription mechanisms in zebrafish during embryonic development, which may help understand the formation of abnormalities or cancer. The study reveals that different starting points are used for transcription before and after activation of the embryonic genome.
Researchers have identified a genetic association with facial asymmetry in an ancient cavefish, which may help solve mysteries surrounding cleft palate and hemifacial microsomia. The study used high-tech imaging techniques to compare the craniofacial features of cavefish with those of surface-dwelling fish.
A new study has identified PLAC8 as a critical protein involved in the spread of colon cancer. Elevated levels of PLAC8 have been linked to abnormal cell behavior, leading to faster tumor growth and increased invasiveness.
Researchers have discovered that zebrafish regenerates its caudal fin by a process involving V-ATPase, which pumps hydrogen ions to generate an electrical current. This finding has implications for understanding adult tissue regeneration and developing new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers isolated and characterized zebrafish neural crest cells that can differentiate into various cell types, including neurons and melanocytes. The study found that retinoic acid significantly inhibits proliferation but enhances migration in these cells.
Researchers studying zebrafish neurons aim to understand how individual neurons develop and mature, which could shed light on birth defects such as spina bifida. The study focused on neuronal migration and its relation to human neural tube closure, with potential insights into the mechanisms behind this process.
Researchers discover that the habenula, a brain structure, acts as a switchboard for sensory information, regulating behavior in response to external stimuli. Spontaneous neural activity plays a key role in this process.
Developing heart valves in zebrafish embryos may be vulnerable to environmental endocrine disruptors, which can mimic estrogen and lead to abnormalities. The study uses genetically modified zebrafish to detect and identify the mechanisms of action of these chemicals.
A new gene, CHD2, has been found to be responsible for a subset of epilepsy patients with symptoms similar to Dravet syndrome. This discovery offers new diagnostic tools and potential treatments for families affected by the condition.
Researchers discovered that Neurexin2 dysfunction contributes to neurodegeneration in Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a devastating genetic disease affecting infant and young adults. A restoration of Neurexin2 activity partially recovers neuron function in SMN deficient zebrafish, offering a new direction for therapy of neurodegeneration.
Researchers decoded cell messages in zebrafish embryos to understand abnormal colonic cell growth, a common precursor to colon cancer. The discovery provides new insights into pathways fueling low-calcium-related cell growth and potential therapies to prevent colon cancer.
A new study from Carnegie Institution researchers used zebrafish to understand the circuitry underlying nicotine addiction. The research confirmed that a specific neural pathway in fish brains responds similarly to nicotine as it does in human brains.
A new study reveals fewer differences in white shark gene products associated with metabolism compared to humans than zebrafish, sparking questions about the distinctiveness of this iconic species. The research also finds greater similarity between white sharks and humans in other aspects of their heart transcriptome.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital successfully grew human muscle cells in a dish using a combination of compounds identified through a rapid culture system. They also boosted muscle mass and reversed disease in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, paving the way for potential clinical trials.
Researchers pinpointed the DCHS1 gene as responsible for the most common form of mitral valve prolapse, a condition that leads to heart failure. The gene disrupts heart valve development and growth, causing structural integrity issues in the mitral valve.
Researchers connected human complex diseases to specific genes using zebrafish models, identifying a powerful tool for unraveling rare genetic conditions. The study shows that copy-number variants can affect multiple genes simultaneously, but manipulation of individual genes in zebrafish reveals their contribution to disease pathology.
Researchers found that male zebrafish's breeding structures impede tissue regeneration after injury, leading to a sex-specific deficiency. This study sheds light on the tradeoffs between reproduction and survival, suggesting that natural selection may impact regenerative potential.
Researchers evaluated nine commonly used anaesthetics and found that several cause stress responses in zebrafish. Etomidate was deemed the most suitable for future routine use, improving the welfare standards of millions of fish used in scientific research worldwide.