Using zebrafish to test the effects of toxic chemicals on brain development
Official title: Integrating developmental neurotoxicity screening using automated neuro-behavioral, morphological and neuro-developmental tests in the larval zebrafish
Funded at Ramona Optics, INC. · NIH-10884749 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals in the environment might impact brain development using baby zebrafish, and it aims to help us understand the potential risks these chemicals could pose to human health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ramona Optics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 24, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $295,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43ES036389-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884749 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals concerned about the effects of environmental toxins on neurodevelopment, particularly pregnant women and parents of young children.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by or concerned about exposure to environmental neurotoxicants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how environmental chemicals affect the development of the nervous system using larval zebrafish as a model organism. By employing advanced imaging technology, the study aims to automate the assessment of neuro-behavioral and morphological changes in zebrafish exposed to neurotoxicants. The approach includes gene expression profiling and neuroimaging to identify potential pathways of developmental neurotoxicity. This could lead to better understanding and risk assessment of neurotoxic effects in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve safety assessments of environmental chemicals and reduce risks to human health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using zebrafish for neurotoxicity screening, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ramona Optics, INC.
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harfouche, Mark — Ramona Optics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Harfouche, Mark
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.