Zebrafish studies reveal insight into biological clocks

New research using zebrafish has uncovered findings about how the human biological clock functions and regulates itself.

A team led by Tel Aviv University's department of neurobiology has revealed that humans and zebrafish share a gene called period2, which can be activated and deactivated to influence workings of the circadian rhythms.

This is suggestive of a strong biological link between the circadian clocks of humans and these marine creatures, making them the perfect model for future studies into conditions and treatments affecting the body clock.

The researchers noted that these fish are well-suited to study due to their fast development, easily-manipulated genetics and transparent embryos, allowing scientists to monitor how they develop.

Study leader Professor Yoav Gothilf added: "Synapses can be actually counted. This kind of accessible model can be used in research into degenerative brain disorders."

Earlier this month, researchers in Singapore conducted a study using zebrafish to reveal new insights into the processes underpinning a common form of liver cancer.