The clock is ticking; just ask the zebrafish.
Doctors at Tel Aviv University have discovered that the zebrafish’s circadian rhythms, the internal timepiece by which your body regulates (among other things) when you sleep and when you wake up, are very similar to those of humans.
We know, we know; sounds like yawn-worthy material. But the discovery, in fact, is an amazing one. Dr. Yaov Gothilf and his team of researchers at Tel Aviv University were able to isolate the gene responsible for the rhythm of the zebrafish’s circadian clock.
Circadian Rhythm: It’s Just a Matter of Genes
Gohtlif discovered the specific areas of the gene that respond to light, then activated the gene to help synchronize the fish’s internal clock. This special gene is called Period2, and the area of the gene that responds to light is called the Light Responsive Model.
Zebrafish, we always knew you were more special than your two-inch body indicated. (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)
All of this super-science chatter is actually pretty simple. Sleep specialists often recommend you turn off light-producing electronics at least half an hour before bedtime because the devices can trick your mind into thinking it’s still day. That little process of light stimulation and sleep-altering response is what Gothlif’s team is exploring.
But who cares about whether or not your TV is keeping your zebrafish awake, right? Gothlif wanted to know if the Period2 gene in humans was associated with the human circadian rhythm. So, with the help of ridiculously cool and (probably) difficult-to-explain scientific mojo, the researchers put the human Period2 gene in the zebrafish. The results were fascinating: the human gene functioned in exactly the same way as the zebrafish Period2. Bravo, Gothlif!
The implications of this research are pretty fascinating. Here’s a direct quote from the Science Daily site where we first learned of this discovery:
“Prof. Gothilf believes this model has further application to brain and biomedical research. Researchers can already manipulate the genetic makeup of zebrafish, for example, to make specific neurons and their synapses (the junctions between neurons in the brain) fluorescent — easy to see and track. ‘Synapses can be actually counted. This kind of accessible model can be used in research into degenerative brain disorders,’ he notes, adding that several additional research groups at (Tel Aviv University) are now using zebrafish to advance their work.”
Wishing you could get your circadian rhythm back on track? We know just the solution: our Somnium innerspring mattress. Sweet dreams, zebrafish!
Here’s a link to the original Science Daily story: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721095841.htm
And, if you really want to nerd out, here’s the original study with all the mega-complex doctor talk: http://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2014/235781/