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Zebrafish Research Unlocks Secrets of Human Development and Disease
2 Aug
Summary
- Biologist studies zebrafish embryo development to understand human biology
- Federal science funding cuts threaten progress in cancer, birth defects, and more
- Every $1 in government science spending adds $1.71 to the economy
As of August 2nd, 2025, a biologist who first became fascinated by biology while using a microscope in high school is now a PhD candidate at the University of Pennsylvania. They are studying how the fertilized egg of a zebrafish develops into the 2-inch striped fish, as zebrafish share 70% of their genes with humans.
The researcher's lab is focused on understanding the signals that guide embryonic cells to become different tissues and organs. This "basic science" research, while not directly tied to a specific cure, has led to groundbreaking discoveries, like the development of the first personalized gene therapy. However, the current administration is proposing drastic cuts to federal science funding, which would threaten progress in areas like Alzheimer's, childhood cancer, and more.
These cuts would also harm the local economy, as the Orlando area alone received over $43 million in NIH and NSF funding last year, supporting both research and jobs. Nationwide, every $1 spent on science adds $1.71 to the economy. The biologist is urging the public to call their representatives and defend this vital federal funding.
