Dr Love's zebrafish
Dr Don Love and his team at Auckland University are using zebrafish to investigate heritable diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
He met with Year 13 Biology students to discuss his work and some of the techniques commonly used in his laboratory.
Watch clips of Dr Love explaining:
What makes zebrafish good models for some human diseases – and not others
Genes, chromosomes and genomes – and what you need to know in order to create a targeted gene effect
The importance of PCR and DNA sequencing in identifying fish with a specific mutation
Why the future represents a ‘new dawn’ in biological research
Careers prospects for geneticists in New Zealand
To find out more about Don’s work, see the article: Zebrafish make a difference.
Students participating in this 2007 video conference were from:
Stratford High School
Wellington College
Waipa Area School
Video clips
Why are zebrafish good research models?
Animal models are often needed to understand the complexity of disease and to find treatments. What makes vertebrates like zebrafish good research models?
But it's a fish!
Blood, nerves, eyes – Auckland University's Dr Love explains why it all depends on what you're looking for.
Are zebrafish good models?
According to Dr Love, what makes zebrafish useful in the study of a disease like muscular dystrophy?
Insults equal change
What are six ways to insult a zebrafish? Students from Stratford High School ask Auckland University's Dr Love.
Designing genetic change
Dr Love's work at Auckland University involves altering the gene expression of zebrafish. Here, he explains to Year 13 students from Taipa and Stratford what he needs to know first.
Checking for mutations
How can PCR and DNA sequencing be used to identify whether a specific mutation is present or not?
It's not just genes
What does Dr Love think is the 'new dawn' for biological research?
The road is long (with many a winding turn...)
In 2001 the Sanger Institute and the Human Genome Project announced that they had both sequenced the human genome. We are on a long road to understanding the full implications of this information.
Research funding
There are several potential sources of funding for medical research programmes in New Zealand, but it's highly competitive. So where does Dr Love, investigating muscular dystrophy, get his funding from?
Career prospects in genetics
Auckland University's Dr Love suggests that recognition of science as a good investment will mean improved career opportunities for geneticists in New Zealand. Get his advice on your education and career options.
