New technique helps scientists examine energy use of developing embryos
A major breakthrough in the study of embryonic development.
Image: University of Plymouth
A new technique developed by the University of Plymouth allows scientists to determine the biological traits and behaviors of developing embryos as an energy signature. It is a significant breakthrough in embryonic development and how it can be impacted by external factors such as climate change.
The technique is built around timelapse video captured of aquatic animals, particularly the embryos of a freshwater pond snail Radix balthica – during their earliest and most dynamic life stages.
With every video being made out of a series of individual pixels whose brightness varies with each frame, the group fostered a method for utilizing these variations to follow nitty-gritty changes in energy use.