In particular, medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos and juveniles are widely used to address questions about embryonic development in other species.

Earlier research discussed medaka eyes but this month the fish has helped scientists understand the damaging effects of radiation on the DNA of cells. It has helped them explain why the cells of some individuals are more sensitive to radiation exposure while cells of others are more resistant to those effects, or how low doses of radiation over longer periods of time affect DNA damage and repair.

Picture credit: Philipp Keller, Stelzer Group, EMBL