3D zebrafish can replace real animals in the lab
The 3D platform is ideal for neurobehavioral studies conducted to better understand the brain.
- Mariella Moon for Engadget January 15th, 2017
- Source: https://www.engadget.com/2017/01/15/virtual-zebrafish-laboratory/
A few years ago, zebrafish became the new lab rat because of their genetic similarity to humans. So, when a team of researchers from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering decided to develop a virtual alternative for lab animals, they chose the tropical freshwater minnows. The team used real-life data to develop a platform that simulates zebrafish swimming in three dimensions, which is accurate enough to replace the animals in experiments.
The platform started as a 2D model back in 2015. Its current iteration, however, is much more sophisticated and features speed modulation, wall interaction and the burst-and-coast swimming style of zebrafish.
