Cincinnati Children's Blog
  • Y&H Podcast
  • Newsletter Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Healthy Living
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Heart Conditions
  • Learning and Growing
  • Research and Discoveries
  • Blog
  • Healthy Living
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Heart Conditions
  • Learning and Growing
  • Research and Discoveries
  • Y&H Podcast
  • Newsletter Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us
HOME/Research and Discoveries/Using flies and fish to unravel the mysteries of human health

Using flies and fish to unravel the mysteries of human health

 

August 10, 2011
Blog Editorial Team
0 Comments

The ongoing debate over what constitutes wasteful government spending spurred a recent dinner conversation among friends over the use of federal tax dollars to study reproductive sciences in small fish and insects.

The discussion meandered into someone asking what the study of such matters has to do with the well being of people.

Talk about bugs and biomedical research is not typical dinner time fare. Still, an interesting question deserves a reasonably informed answer. At the moment, there are a number of federally (and privately) funded research projects underway at Cincinnati Children’s involving fruit flies, zebra fish and other small species to understand the molecular basis of embryonic organ development. The tiny creatures make excellent early research models to help unlock the developmental secrets of eyes, kidneys, the nervous system, and so on.

The reasoning goes that, if scientists can figure out what drives normal healthy embryonic development, and what can happen genetically and molecularly to cause abnormal development, then one might start building the basis for early research into new therapeutic concepts. Still, some people don’t appreciate the important biological connection between bugs and humans – and likely don’t care unless they find out they’re helping foot the bill for research funding.

Whether discussing a fruit fly, a zebra fish, a mouse or a person, all have similar fundamental molecular processes and, if you will, a similar “biological alphabet.”

Research scientists talk or write about a concept known as evolutionary conservation, or a gene that is evolutionarily conserved. This is a gene that, in essence, remains functionally important throughout evolution – including the branching off point between non-vertebrates and vertebrates. Usually this means the gene is unique and essential to a particular species – like flies – and higher life forms alike. For example, more than half of the genes known to cause disease in humans have a recognizable match in the fruit fly’s genetic code.

These components, in part, provide the connection and – in the context of biomedical research – powerful potential for meaningful discoveries when studying certain fish and insects. Those endeavors are proving to be quite informative to scientists looking for clues into birth defects and disease. Just in case anyone was wondering!

Related Articles

 

Adults with Congenital Heart Disease: 5 Ways a Cardiac Neuropsychologist Can Help
 

Podcast | Namaste Together: Yoga for Kids
 

Summer Events and Festivals: A Safety Guide for Families
 

Considering Sleepaway Camp for Your Child?
TAGS:

About the author: Blog Editorial Team

Our editorial team works with experts, patients and families at Cincinnati Children’s to bring you important information that we hope helps you navigate the complex world of parenting.

Write A Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

No Comments Yet

Topics

  • Cancer and Blood Diseases
  • Child Development and Behavior
  • Childhood Obesity
  • Chronic Care Networks
  • Cincinnati Walks for Kids
  • Featured Faces
  • Fetal Conditions
  • Fitness and Nutrition
  • Food Allergies
  • Ghana 2012
  • Health Care Public Policy
  • Health Care Quality
  • Health Care Reform
  • Healthy Living
  • Heart Conditions
  • Hospital Operations
  • Learning and Growing
  • Nurses Week 2012
  • Patient Family Experience
  • Patient Flow
  • Patient Safety
  • Pin of the Week
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Research and Discoveries
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Share Your Story
  • Technology
  • The Young & Healthy Podcast
  • Uncategorized
  • Vaccines
  • Volunteerism
  • What's New
See All Topics
See Less Topics

Subscribe

Subscribe today to our family newsletter for tips, blog posts, podcasts and more.

Subscribe Now

Popular Posts

About

The Cincinnati Children’s blog features thoughts and perspectives from our experts on all things pediatric health. This blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Learn More »

Contact Us
  • 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026
  • 1-513-636-4200 | 1-800-344-2462
  • TTY: 1-513-636-4900
  • socialmedia@cchmc.org
Connect With Us
  • Newsletter Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us

© 2009-2025 Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center