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Fights are won and lost in the brain

A deep-brain structure called the habenula contains two neural circuits that influence whether a fight will be won or lost in zebrafish. The circuits regulate surrender or continuing aggression based on activity levels in different sub-regions, suggesting a dynamic mechanism for determining fight outcomes.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·DateMar 31, 2016

Skin regeneration in technicolor

Researchers have developed a system called Skinbow that labels individual skin cells in zebrafish with different colors, allowing for real-time tracking of cell populations. This technology enables the study of skin regeneration and cellular behavior in high resolution, providing insights into the dynamics of wound healing.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 21, 2016

A new molecular alarm clock in vertebrates

Researchers discovered a gene, neuromedin U, that promotes wakefulness and suppresses sleep in zebrafish. The protein's function suggests it may be nature's alarm clock, helping to regulate the transition from nighttime sleep to daytime wakefulness.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 17, 2016

Deciphering the role of brain layers

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.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNeuron·DateNov 19, 2015

Zebrafish study sheds new light on human heart defects

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.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateOct 15, 2015

Evolutionary novelties in vision

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.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 27, 2015

Genome-wide screen of learning in zebrafish identifies enzyme important in neural circuit

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.

Feeling sleepy? Might be the melatonin

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.

Epigenome orchestrates embryonic development

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2015

Researchers discover molecular trigger of inflammatory bowel disease

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2015

How cells communicate

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.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2015

Researchers find BPA and BPS affect embryonic brain development in zebrafish

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.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2015

Zebrafish stripped of stripes

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2014

Chamber of secrets

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.

High-speed drug screen

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIntegrative Biology·DateSep 30, 2014

Unbreak my heart

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 23, 2014

Follow that fish!

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.