The Unsung Heroes Of Biomedical Research

Asian Scientist Magazine brings you the motley crew of model organisms that pioneered discovery in the 21st century.

#7 THE ZEBRAFISH – Danio rerio

What’s striped and can regenerate its skin, heart and brain? Dubbed the ‘underwater lab rat,’ zebrafish Danio rerio has come a long way from its native home, the Ganges. Zebrafish live in tropical freshwater and are both popular pets and model organisms, valued the world over for their hardy nature and regenerative abilities. Like most model organisms there is a spectacular array of mutant varieties available, including a recently-developed zebrafish mutant whose brain activity can be visualized in real-time by tracking its fluorescent glow.

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Zaria Gorvett is a freelance science writer based in the UK. She graduated with a bachelors degree in biological science from the University of Exeter, UK and a masters degree in medical microbiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK.

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