Articles tagged with Zebrafish
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.
Researchers have found that methylmercury can directly affect vision by accumulating in the retinal photoreceptors. The study used powerful synchrotron X-rays and methylmercury-poisoned zebrafish larvae to reveal the mechanisms of heavy metal toxicity in developing vertebrates.
A new study suggests that zebrafish carrying a Scn1a mutation can serve as a model for Dravet syndrome, allowing researchers to quickly identify potential treatments. The study found that clemizole, an FDA-approved drug, was effective in inhibiting seizure activity in the mutant fish.
Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research discovered a protein called Abcb4 in zebrafish embryos that transports and expels toxic chemicals, protecting the embryo. However, certain environmental chemicals render this protective mechanism ineffective, making fish embryos more sensitive to toxic substances.
Researchers at NYU-Poly used bio-inspired robots to study fear responses in zebrafish, finding that alcohol can modulate these reactions. The findings may lead to new methodologies for understanding anxiety and developing substances that alter emotions.
Researchers developed TAML activators to remove hazardous endocrine disruptors from water, testing their safety on zebrafish embryos. The study found that the molecules were non-toxic at typical concentrations but three out of seven showed impairment at higher doses.
A zebrafish model reveals defects in motor neuron transport leading to CMT's progressive weakness and long-term pain. Researchers seek funding to identify new treatments for the condition.
Researchers track cellular events leading to cardiac regeneration in zebrafish, revealing a novel potential source of cells for repairing damaged heart muscle. The study's findings provide evidence that various cell lines in the heart are more plastic than previously thought, offering new hope for treating heart failure.
Researchers studied zebrafish larvae's hunting behavior using virtual reality, revealing two unknown types of neurons involved in processing movement stimuli. The findings show that the larvae's brain must filter and evaluate visual information rapidly to select appropriate motor patterns.
Japanese researchers from RIKEN Brain Science Institute have visualized the process of remembering learned behavior in zebrafish. The study uses calcium imaging to trace neural activity and finds that short-term and long-term memories are formed in different parts of the brain.
A zebrafish study suggests that riboflavin, a form of vitamin B2, can mitigate the toxic effects of cyanide poisoning. The research, published in The FASEB Journal, also identifies new biomarkers that may be clinically useful for diagnosing cyanide exposure and developing antidotes.
The completed zebrafish genome reveals 70% of human protein-coding genes have zebrafish counterparts, highlighting the model organism's potential for human disease research. The study also identifies unique features, such as high repeat content and chromosomal regions influencing sex determination.
Researchers have generated mutations in almost 40% of zebrafish genes, creating a resource for understanding physical and biochemical consequences of genetic variation. The study aims to reveal the function of each gene in zebrafish to shed light on human disease.
Studies on zebrafish embryos reveal that the protein Nodal triggers a signaling cascade, allowing cardiac progenitor cells to migrate faster and form an asymmetric heart. The research also shows that another signaling molecule, Bmp, reduces cell migration on the left side of the heart.
A shortage of TDP-43 protein leads to muscle wasting, stunted nerve cells, and vascular dysfunction in ALS and FTD patients. The study found that the loss of function plays a critical role in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's.
Researchers discovered zebrafish stem cells can selectively regenerate damaged photoreceptor cells, including cones that provide daytime colour vision. This breakthrough could lead to new hope for human eyesight restoration through stem cell therapy.
Scientists have developed a new technology to see thoughts 'swim' through the brain of a living fish, allowing real-time visualization of neuronal activity during perception. This breakthrough has the potential to unlock complex behaviors, including learning, memory, and emotions, by interpreting specific combinations of neurons.
A special issue of the peer-reviewed journal Zebrafish highlights the development and implementation of student-led, inquiry-based active learning opportunities. The research articles focus on new curricula that emphasize process-oriented learning and scientific literacy.
Researchers found that the development of hands and feet occurred through the gain of new DNA elements activating specific genes. This discovery helps understand the power of gene expression in shaping bodies and may shed light on genetic diseases associated with limb formation.
Scientists have developed a transgenic zebrafish model, MitoFish, that enables non-invasive observation of mitochondria transport in living neurons, providing a new window into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This breakthrough model has the potential to accelerate the search for effective treatments.
A new study found that feeding probiotics to baby zebrafish accelerated their development and increased their chances of survival into adulthood. The researchers discovered that the probiotics helped promote growth, including bone and vertebrae development, by reducing stress on the fish's gastrointestinal tract.
A team of researchers at UCSF has identified a compound that regulates whole-body metabolism, providing a potential solution to obesity and diabetes. The breakthrough was achieved by screening over 2,400 medications in zebrafish, revealing two compounds that activate genes involved in fat burning.
Researchers studied zebrafish mating behavior and found that males change color during courtship, while females do not, supporting the hypothesis that body coloration plays a role in zebrafish courtship. The study also revealed differences in color properties between wild-derived and domesticated strains of zebrafish.
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a robotic fish that can attract live zebrafish using real-time visual feedback. The study found that zebrafish are more attracted to robots that replicate the behavior of informed fish, demonstrating the effectiveness of real-time visual feedback in influencing live animal ...
A new international collaboration sheds light on the timing mechanism of vertebrae formation in vertebrate embryos, revealing the crucial role of molecular oscillators. The study provides real-time visual evidence of how these 'clocks' operate at the level of individual cells.
Researchers used zebrafish to test genetic mutations that affect human skin color and found that some mutations had no effect on the fish's skin color. This approach may be useful in identifying which genetic mutations can be ignored and which require attention, potentially aiding personalized medicine.
A new study by researchers at The University of Akron found that leptin may play a role in hearing and vision loss in humans. Leptin also affects the development of eyes and ears in fish, suggesting a potential link to sensory loss.
Mayo Clinic researchers have developed an efficient editing toolkit for customizing zebrafish genomes, eliminating a bottleneck in biomedical research. This breakthrough enables targeted genetic modifications for studying human diseases, including modeling point mutations and regulating gene expression.
A new study reveals that certain gut microbes increase dietary fat absorption, allowing the host to extract more calories. The research found that one type of bacteria, Firmicutes, plays a key role in this process.
Researchers have discovered a molecule that could lead to a future ALS treatment, modifying the course of the disease in zebrafish models. The EphA4 receptor was found to play a key role in the mechanism of ALS, with its expression linked to disease severity and recovery.
David M. Tobin has made significant contributions to TB meningitis treatment and is developing new approaches to tackle drug-resistant TB. His work uses zebrafish models to probe host genetic determinants of susceptibility to mycobacterial infection.
A study published in PLOS Biology reveals how the brain's vascular network forms in zebrafish, driven by blood flow and influenced by a protein called Rac1. The researchers found that vessel pruning occurs at loop-forming segments, leading to a simplified final form of the vasculature.
A Purdue University student's research on zebrafish eye development may help understand vision problems affecting billions worldwide. The study found an enzyme's role in regulating eye size, which could be relevant to human vision issues.
Researchers use zebrafish to study the biological mechanisms underlying human disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, doxorubicin-induced heart failure, spinal muscular atrophy, and acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. The models provide valuable insights into causes and potential treatments for these diseases.
Researchers discovered a protein that promotes the adoption of bipolar glial shape in zebrafish, encouraging nerve regeneration and potentially offering a new therapeutic target. The findings suggest an alternative approach to scar tissue formation, which is a major barrier to spinal cord repair in mammals.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution have developed a method to observe lipid metabolism in live zebrafish, revealing new aspects of lipid absorption that could improve human health. The technique enables scientists to study the process by which proteins mediate fatty acid uptake and cholesterol transport.
Scientists have discovered that zebrafish can only absorb cholesterol when fed a high-fat diet, and certain long-chain fatty acids enhance this process. The study sheds light on the complex biological mechanisms of cholesterol processing and its regulation by dietary fat.
Research reveals that environmental estrogens, such as BPA and genistein, activate estrogen receptors in the heart valves of zebrafish embryos. This finding suggests that these compounds may have a critical role in early developmental stages, potentially leading to deleterious effects.
Researchers showcased the breadth of zebrafish research at an international conference, focusing on cancer and nicotine dependence. A study found that mid-differentiated cells play a key role in tumor growth, challenging traditional views on cancer stem cells. Another study used zebrafish to identify novel candidate genes involved in n...
Wild zebrafish use social learning to assess risk by observing other individuals' behavior and adjusting their own. They become more bold after interacting with bolder domesticated fish but do not change their behavior when encountering shy ones.
A bioinspired robot has shown that live zebrafish can be influenced by engineered robots, providing a stepping stone for autonomous robots in open environments to monitor and control fish behavior. The robot's design mimicked the characteristics of a zebrafish, including shape and color patterns, to increase attraction.
The FASEB MARC Program awarded two $1,650 travel grants to promote diversity in biomedical research. The recipients, Dr. Oni Mapp and Dr. Catherine McCollum, will present their work at the 2012 GSA Zebrafish Development and Genetics Meeting.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London used zebrafish to study psychiatric disorders, finding they can modify their behaviour in response to changing conditions. The research suggests zebrafish may be useful in studying the cause and prognosis of disorders related to impulse control.
Researchers have developed a new technique to measure brain activity during behavior in zebrafish with unprecedented resolution. The technique allows for the simultaneous measurement of up to 2,000 neurons, providing insights into how brain regions work together to control behavior.
Scientists have discovered a biological marker in marine animals that indicates low-level exposure to domoic acid, a potentially toxic substance produced by certain algae. This finding has the potential to create reliable blood tests for assessing the effects of chronic exposure on humans and wildlife.
Scientists from Queen Mary University of London found that zebrafish housed individually spent less time on the bottom of their tank, indicating lower stress levels. Individually housed fish also responded to ethanol and had lower cortisol levels compared to group-housed fish.
Scientists develop transforming mechanisms inspired by nature to create camouflage effects in soft, stretchy materials. The technology can be used in smart clothing, scaling up to an adaptable skin that stretches and deforms.
Researchers have created a transgenic zebrafish that reacts to environmental estrogens by producing fluorescent signals, revealing new insights into the effects of pollution on human health. The study found responses in previously unknown tissues, including skeletal muscle and eyes.
Researchers found that low levels of plastin 3 are linked to movement problems in spinal muscular atrophy, a fatal genetic disorder. Adding plastin 3 back to motor neurons in zebrafish restored some swimming abilities and suggests that the protein's decrease contributes to the disease's characteristics.
Researchers identified a novel anti-leukemia compound, Lenaldekar, that demonstrates effectiveness in eliminating immature zebrafish T-cells and targeting human T-ALL cell lines. The compound showed promise in treating cells from patients with other leukemias, including those resistant to current therapies.
Research found that zebrafish exposed to BPA as embryos had significant behavioral changes, including learning and memory problems. The study suggests that even low levels of BPA can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function.
Scientists have discovered a way to increase motor neurone production in adult zebrafish using a drug that inhibits the notch-signalling pathway. This breakthrough could potentially help research find ways to turn progenitor cells into motor neurons following damage caused by these diseases.