How daily biological rhythms affect behavior in zebrafish

Circadian regulation of brain and body in larval zebrafish

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11093996

This study looks at how the natural sleep and activity patterns of baby zebrafish affect their movements and health, helping us understand how problems with sleep can impact well-being.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-11093996 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how circadian rhythms influence the behavior and physiology of larval zebrafish. By studying the interactions between neurons, muscles, and biomechanics, the researchers aim to understand how disruptions in sleep and activity cycles can lead to various health issues. The approach involves tracking zebrafish behavior and arousal throughout the day and manipulating light exposure to observe changes. This work utilizes genetic and physiological methods to explore the underlying mechanisms of circadian regulation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing sleep disturbances or related behavioral issues.

Not a fit: Patients with no sleep-related issues or those who do not have a biological basis for their behavioral conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment of sleep-related disorders and their impact on overall health.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding circadian rhythms and their effects on behavior, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Madison, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.