EPA grant to help MSU study contaminants’ effects on fish

A grant of $800,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency will help a research team led by Michigan State University determine the effects of certain contaminants on fish.

Cheryl Murphy

A grant of $800,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency will help a research team led by Michigan State University determine the effects of certain contaminants on fish.

Specifically, the team will study contaminants’ effects on the developing brains of larval fish, in particular looking at behaviors that are important to survival, such as finding food and avoiding predators, and which genes are important in regulating these behaviors.

“It’s crucial that these behaviors develop quickly, as these little larval fish have a lot going against them in their first month or so of life,” said Cheryl Murphy, an associate professor of fisheries and wildlife who is leading the project. “Many chemicals can disrupt brain and behavior development.”

For the full story, please visit MSU Today.

Did you find this article useful?