WaPo: Cavefish offer clues to future of human couch potatoes
UC biologist explains sedentary behavior of blind cavefish
The Washington Post turned to a University of Cincinnati biologist to explain how the evolution of Mexican blind cavefish could offer clues to our future evolution given people's increasingly sedentary lifestyles.
UC associate professor Joshua Gross. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Even people who are active every day had trouble maintaining their lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic when gyms, parks, playgrounds and group activities were shut down for social distancing, the Post said.
But UC College of Arts and Sciences associate professor Joshua Gross told the Post that our sedentary lifestyle does not compare to that of the Mexican blind cavefish.
Gross studies the fish and their interesting evolutionary path in his biology lab. The fish were swept deep underground by flooding more than 160,000 years ago and over thousands of generations evolved in dark world that had little food to offer. They lost eyes that had become useless in their dark world while developing other characteristics that help them survive.
Meanwhile, their ancestors continue to thrive on the surface, giving scientists a unique opportunity to compare the animals side by side to see how they diverged.
The Post turned to Gross to explain a new study in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science that examined how the fish evolved to swim slowly, starve for long periods and get by with less muscle mass and more fat. He was not part of the research.
“What I felt was interesting is that in humans, it has been long understood that a sedentary lifestyle leads to pretty negative health outcomes, but those come within a lifetime,” Gross told the Post. “This study provides an idea of how inactivity can play out not just in a lifetime, but in long-term evolutionary changes.”
In his biology lab, Gross and his students have learned more about how cavefish survive and navigate their low-nutrient, low-oxygen environment.
Read the Washington Post story.
Read more about UC's blind cavefish research.
Featured image at top: A Mexican blind cavefish swims in a UC biology lab. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Related Stories
Senior peer career coaches graduate with resumes ready
April 17, 2021
Profiles three senior peer career coaches in the University of Cincinnati's Bearcat Promise Career Studio
UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research
April 12, 2021
Undergraduate student researchers in sciences and humanities recognized in 2021
2021 University Recognition Ceremony honors student achievements
April 13, 2021
The University of Cincinnati recognizes students each year who have made significant service, leadership, and academic contributions to the UC community. These students exemplify the spirit of what it means to be a Bearcat.
UC Day of Giving a success
April 28, 2021
University of Cincinnati Day of Giving’s 24-hour challenge was a tremendous success this year, raising $2,219,197 with 3,232 gifts. The fourth annual UC Day of Giving raised its most money to date with alumni, donors, students, faculty and staff joining together to support UC and UC Health.
'To make him proud was high on her list'
April 1, 2021
Alex Lewis lost her 82-year-old grandfather to Covid-19 just five weeks before her dream school showed up on the front steps of Roger Bacon High School to tell the senior that she has been admitted to the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing as part of a touching Decision Day surprise effort this year.
UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research
April 29, 2020
Each spring, the University of Cincinnati’s Division of Experience-Based Learning and Career Education (ELCE) honors students in experience-based learning programs.
President picks exceptional talent
April 28, 2021
The University of Cincinnati 2021 Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence Awards honor six undergraduate scholars for scholarship, leadership, character, service and the ideals of the university. Awardees are spotlighted for exceptional academics, creativity, community service and innovation.
Listen: Cincy Playhouse shares CCM audio plays
May 28, 2021
Each audio play is its own story, and you can listen to these pieces for free in any order you choose. They represent a year-long collaboration that reached into many corners of Cincinnati. Students from all over UC (CCM Acting, Sound Design, Stage Management, Commercial Music Production, Digital Media, and the College of Arts & Sciences’ Fiction PhD program) and local professional writers (YA author Liz Coley and musician, comedian and raconteur Paul Strickland) came together to make something truly special. Paul Strickland's play will be available soon. The Playhouse is assisting CCM by hosting and helping to promote these free audio plays.
UC staff have elected their 2021-23 Staff Senators
June 8, 2021
Join us in congratulating the 2021-23 new Staff Senate members! Elections were held in early May, and new senators will begin their two-year term in July 2021. All UC staff are encouraged to be part of the enthusiasm and excitement for our new senators by attending the Staff Senate online meeting via WebEx, June 30, 9-11 a.m.
UC LGBTQ Center founder takes on new diversity role
June 1, 2021
When Leisan Smith, ’99, ME ’03, began work this year as the inaugural chief equity officer at the prestigious Columbus School for Girls, the school’s staff and faculty were thrilled. The job description, they said, “was written for you.”