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Research on cavefish may lead to therapeutic methods in autism, schizophrenia

July 14th, 2016

A research group led by UH Mānoa Biology Assistant Professor Masato Yoshizawa has found similarities between behavior in cavefish and humans with autism and schizophrenia.

With this significant discovery, the researchers are attempting to resolve fundamental mechanisms of these diseases, and eventually hope to develop therapeutic methods in autism and schizophrenia.

Yoshizawa recently presented his findings at the 23rd International Conference on Subterranean Biology in Fayetteville, Arkansas. His presentation, "Adaptation through changes of behavioral and morphological traits in Mexican Cavefish," garnered attention for its implications regarding the potential for the fish research in understanding human mental disorders and possible treatments.

More information:
Antisocial cave fish may hold clues to schizophrenia, autism. DOI: 10.1126/science.aaf5813

Provided by University of Hawaii at Manoa

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