Neurons In Zebrafish May Reveal Clues To The Wiring Of The Human Ear, Howard Hughes Medical Institute And Rockefeller University Study

ScienceDaily (Oct. 15, 2008) — Developing neurons tend to play the field, making more connections than they will ever need. Then the weakest are cut. But Rockefeller University scientists now show that neurons in young zebrafish — vertebrates, like humans — behave differently: They immediately find a cluster of specialized cells and make the right match. The findings may help reveal the mechanism by which analogous cells are wired in the human ear and eventually help those who are deaf or hard of hearing.