Peering into the heart of aquatic embryo development
Scientists using a pioneering bio-imaging system to record simultaneously the development of hundreds of aquatic embryos have discovered significant parent-offspring similarities in the timing and sequence of that development.
Researchers at Plymouth University have found the timing of key developmental milestones – such as the first beating of the heart, formation of the eyes and movement – differs markedly between individuals in a species of aquatic snail, but also that these timings appear to be heritable, they are passed from mother to offspring.
The study, made possible by a purpose-built piece of kit combining a high depth of focus lens more commonly found in aviation safety, a shutterless digital camera, and a robotic microscope stage, sheds new light on the relationship between development and evolution.
Source: http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/280/1769/20131479.short?rss=1
http://vimeo.com/15800426
No comments:
Post a Comment