Journal Guide

The only peer-reviewed journal to focus on the zebrafish, which has many valuable features as a model organism for study of vertebrate development. Due to its prolific reproduction and the external development of the transparent embryo, the zebrafish is a prime model for genetic and developmental studies, as well as research in toxicology and genomics. While genetically more distant from humans, the vertebrate zebrafish nevertheless has comparable organs and tissues, such as heart, kidney, pancreas, bones, and cartilage.Demand for zebrafish at National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been fast growing as word spreads that the tiny, black-striped creature makes an excellent supplement and, in some cases, alternative to lab mice for research. Zebrafish also includes research with other aquarium species such as medaka, Fugu, and Xiphophorus.

The journal Zoomorphology publishes original research papers based on morphological investigation of invertebrates and vertebrates and reviews designed as comparative surveys summarizing current knowledge from an evolutionary perspective. Coverage spans the macroscopic, microscopic and ultrastructural levels, including embryological studies. The journal places special emphasis on: Comparison - Studies comparing morphological and anatomical structures to unravel homologies Function - Studies relating structure and function Integration - Studies on the relation between structural-functional systems of animals and their general biology Evolution - Studies on the evolution of morphological and anatomical structures on the basis of sound phylogenies Development - Studies on the spatiotemporal formation of morphological and anatomical structures

As of January 2000, Developmental Genetics was renamed and relaunched as genesis: The Journal of Genetics and Development, with a new scope and Editorial Board. The journal focuses on work that addresses the genetics of development and the fundamental mechanisms of embryological processes in animals and plants. With increased awareness of the interplay between genetics and evolutionary change, particularly during developmental processes, we encourage submission of manuscripts from all ecological niches. The expanded numbers of genomes for which sequencing is being completed will facilitate genetic and genomic examination of developmental issues, even if the model system does not fit the “classical genetic” mold. Therefore, we encourage submission of manuscripts from all species. Other areas of particular interest include: 1) the roles of epigenetics, microRNAs and environment on developmental processes; 2) genome-wide studies; 3) novel imaging techniques for the study of gene expression and cellular function; 4) comparative genetics and genomics and 5) animal models of human genetic and developmental disorders.genesis presents reviews, full research articles, short research letters, and state-of-the-art technology reports that promote an understanding of the function of genes and the roles they play in complex developmental processes.