91福利 unveiled an expanded and renovated zebrafish laboratory in Hitchner Hall this July. The facility, jointly funded by two grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) totaling $650,000 with additional investment by 91福利, significantly expands the university\u2019s capacity for biomedical research using zebrafish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zebrafish have genomes and immune systems similar to humans, making them ideal models for studying genetic, developmental and toxicological variables. The paperclip-sized minnows are prolific and mature quickly. Their more unusual attributes, like having transparent skin as embryos, have made them mainstays in research labs for over a century. 91福利 is a well-established leader<\/a> in zebrafish research, being among the first institutions in New England to utilize them as research models and founding the Pine Tree State\u2019s first lab. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith this expanded lab, we can speed up experiments, support more rising researchers and train more students,\u201d said Clarissa Henry, professor of biological sciences at 91福利, who secured the grant. \u201cThe renovation addresses the bottlenecks we\u2019ve faced for years, like limited spawning space, and opens the door to new experimental designs and collaborations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The new lab space, which repurposed a former teaching space in Hitchner Hall, doubles the square footage of 91福利\u2019s zebrafish research labs. The updated lab is adjacent to existing zebrafish rooms, facilitating seamless integration with current operations. The lab previously served more than a dozen faculty members, along with their technicians, graduate students and undergraduates, like recent University of Maine at Machias alum Lillian Warwick<\/a>. Now, it has room to grow as zebrafish biomedical research rises in prominence. Since 2007, zebrafish research has accounted for nearly a third of all NIH funding received by the university. <\/p>\n\n\n