Where undergrads help reveal the rules of the universe
Mark DeLano, professor and chair of Radiology at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Mark DeLano, professor and chair of Radiology at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Life began in the water. With that in mind, it makes sense that the creatures residing in rivers, lakes and oceans still hold many clues to help solve life’s mysteries. While many researchers are looking for those clues, the Spartan approach to studying aquatic life is distinctive.
For example, around the world, researchers rely on the diminutive zebrafish as a model organism to explore genetics and gain insights into human health and disease. MSU’s scientists are no exception, but they’re doing this work while also establishing other fishes as new model organisms. This enables researchers to dive deeper into evolutionary history, vertebrate biology and human physiology through advanced genetic studies.
Speaking of fish genetics, Spartan researchers were also part of the first team to sequence the genome of the sea lamprey, an invasive species in the Great Lakes. MSU’s lamprey work continues — thanks, in part, to an international treaty — revealing more about how these animals operate at a molecular level to develop better, more environmentally friendly control measures.
And it’s not just fishes that are inspiring projects from the depths. For example, MSU engineers are studying octopus to develop more sophisticated designs for prosthetics that will feel more natural for their human users.
This list of submarine species is by no means exhaustive, but it helps illustrate how individual animals can shine light on specific questions in a variety of fields. There’s also a synergy to having all these animals in the same place. Spartans can more easily share ideas and forge connections to investigate broader questions about the planet’s biodiversity and, potentially, how to protect it.
