Scientists use Glass Knifefish to learn how the brain directs movement

[CACAdmin]

'Electric' Fish Shed Light On How Brain Directs Movement (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070131134917.htm)

This is an interesting article on how scientists are using Glass Knifefish to learn how the brain directs movement. This little fish "actually emits weak electrical signals which it uses to "see" in the dark." Scientists hope someday with what they learn from this to fine-tune prosthetics, "so that they don't have the jerky and rough movements that most robots have".

The article posted on www.ScienceDaily.com (http://www.sciencedaily.com/) is based on a news release from Johns Hopkins University .

[Fugu]

coooolll!!!!!

I can use my BGK for witchcraft!

[Melody]

They learn a lot about how to help humans from fish. Cancer research has used Swordtails for a long time now.

[mixixe]

wow, I didn't know they used swordtails for cancer research. We owe lots to our fishy friends!

[Melody]

The basics (because I'm no scientist) are this: X. Helleri Swordtails x X. Maculatus Platy's who have black in their dorsal, can develop Melanoma/tumors that are almost exactly the same as the kind that kills so many humans. This observation initiated further study which resulted in some of the first real proof that cancer can be inherited and how.

Another thing observed somewhat inadvertently, is that the fish often live a long life and seem totally unbothered by the cancer. They are trying to nail what it is that fish have which allows that.

They've been used in Cancer research since 1920 and continue to be used today.:smile:

[mixixe]

wow! thats really amazing. there goes some more respect for the livebearers lol. like you guys say, creatures of god :)

[Melody]

Here's another one for you: Zebrafish (often used in labs) may provide a link in the prevention of structural birth defects in humans (Menkes). Zebrafish are valuable in fetal development studies because their eggs are clear, so scientists can observe all stages.

Research: Humble Aquarium Fish May Be Key to New Therapies for Birth Defects (http://www.underwatertimes.com/news.php?article_id=91823710650)

[CACAdmin]

Thanks for posting the link for the Zebrafish article. Very interesting!