#university of sheffield
24 hours in the life of a zebrafish embryo
In this video you can watch 24 hours (the second day) in the development of a tiny zebrafish embryo.
Some cells have been labelled with a fluorescent protein naturally found in jellyfish. This fluorescent label marks several developing organ systems including the eye, hatching gland and kidney.
You can also see two groups of cells migrating along the trunk of the embryo, depositing smaller clumps of sensory cells as they go. These cells are the precursors of the lateral line system, which gives fish a sense of ‘touch at a distance’, enabling them to shoal, avoid obstacles and find prey.
Look more closely to see individual cells moving around over the skin.
Light sheet microscopy illuminates the specimen with a thin sheet of light and allows scientists like Dr Tanya Whitfield and her team at the University of Sheffield to observe cells and embryos at high speeds or for long times. This research is helping them to gain a better understanding of the amazing process of embryogenesis, including the development of sensory systems such as the lateral line and inner ear.
Video: Sarah Baxendale and Nick van Hateren.
See more beautiful images of zebrafish embryos here
A two-day-old zebrafish embryo brain
These striking images show a zebrafish embryo brain at just two-days-old as seen with a Light Sheet Fluorescent Microscope.
Light sheet microscopy illuminates the specimen with a thin sheet of light and can be used to see relatively large structures in fine detail. You can see all the nerve cells and connections in the zebrafish brain stained with an antibody in red.
Being able to see embryos in this detail allows research teams at the University of Sheffield to follow the amazing process of embryogenesis, from a single cell (the fertilised egg) to a functioning animal with hundreds of different cell types.
Images: Sarah Baxendale, Stone Elworthy and Nick van Hateren.
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Ever wanted to know anything about the University of Sheffield? Thinking of applying but you’ve still got questions you need answering? I’ve just finished my first year doing English Literature and I’m all ears to questions about Sheffield (or university in general) so fire them my way and I’ll do my best to answer.
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