UC Opens Zebrafish Facility to Study Human Infertility

The new lab can house up to 7,000 fish to model reproductive development and environmental impacts.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:54pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circular patterns, and precise botanical spirals, conveying the complex natural order of biological systems involved in human reproductive development and infertility.A conceptual illustration of the intricate biological mechanisms behind human reproductive development and the environmental factors that can impact fertility, as studied through the University of Cincinnati's new zebrafish research facility.Cincinnati Today

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine has opened a state-of-the-art zebrafish research facility that will be used to study human reproductive biology and infertility. The lab in the Kettering Lab Complex can house about 750 fish tanks and has the capacity to scale up to 7,000 fish within 600 square feet. Dr. Michelle Kossack, an assistant professor, plans to use the zebrafish to model human reproductive development and the impacts of environmental contaminants on fertility.

Why it matters

Zebrafish share about 70 percent of their genes with humans, making them a simplified species to study in relation to human development. Understanding the mechanisms behind infertility in humans could lead to new treatments and preventative measures.

The details

The new zebrafish facility will allow researchers to conduct a wide range of studies on reproductive biology and the effects of environmental factors. Zebrafish develop from a single cell into an organism with a brain and limbs, similar to human development. They also have circadian rhythms that align with most humans, being awake during the day and asleep at night.

  • The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine announced the new zebrafish facility this week.

The players

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

The medical school at the University of Cincinnati, which has opened a new state-of-the-art zebrafish research facility.

Dr. Michelle Kossack

An assistant professor in the Division of Environmental Genetics and Molecular Toxicology who plans to use the zebrafish to study human reproductive development and the impacts of environmental contaminants on fertility.

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The takeaway

This new zebrafish facility will allow researchers at the University of Cincinnati to gain valuable insights into human reproductive biology and infertility, which could lead to advancements in treatments and preventative measures.