Tadpoles Declare the Glory of God

Researchers have discovered that bioelectrical signals are essential to the development of normal head and facial features in tadpoles. The signals actually outline the features – eyes, nose, mouth, etc.

The Tufts biologists found that, before the face of a tadpole develops, bioelectrical signals (ion flux) cause groups of cells to form patterns marked by different membrane voltage and pH levels. When stained with a reporter dye, hyperpolarized (negatively charged) areas shine brightly, while other areas appear darker, creating an “electric face.”

“When a frog embryo is just developing, before it gets a face, a pattern for that face lights up on the surface of the embryo,” said senior author Dany S. Adams, Ph.D. Adams is a research associate professor in the Department of Biology in the Tufts School of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology. “We believe this is the first time such patterning has been reported for an entire structure, not just for a single organ. I would never have predicted anything like it. It’s a jaw dropper.” [TUFTS NOW, August 6, 2011]https://web.archive.org/web/20151025084332if_/http://www.youtube.com/embed/ndFe5CaDTlI?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent

O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! in wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches. Psalm 104: 24