What Happens When Fish Get Drunk
A recent study reveals that zebrafish exhibit increased confidence and leadership behaviors when exposed to alcohol. Researchers found that fish with low levels of ethanol swam faster and influenced their peers, while those with higher concentrations lost these abilities. The study aims to provide insights into the effects of alcohol on behavior, drawing parallels between zebrafish and humans.
- ▪Zebrafish become more confident leaders when intoxicated with ethanol.
- ▪Fish exposed to low alcohol concentrations swam faster and influenced their sober peers.
- ▪Higher alcohol concentrations caused zebrafish to lose their leadership skills.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Here's What Happens When Fish Get DrunkByJessica Hullinger|Share on FacebookShare on XShare on RedditCopy ArticleAdd us as a preferred sourceThinkStock | ThinkStockLet it be known: Humans are not the only ones whose egos are bolstered by booze. A recent study suggests the humble zebrafish becomes a more confident leader when intoxicated. How does one get a zebrafish drunk, you ask? A team of researchers led by Maurizio Porfiri, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and director of the NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering’s Dynamical Systems Laboratory, did so by letting them swim in a solution of ethanol. The solution ranged in alcohol concentration (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 percent ethanol) and some fish got stronger solutions than others.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Mental Floss.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Mental Floss
