9th Annual WML Academic Symposium

Presenter(s): Maddison Baiotto
Title: Influence of Exogenous Caffeine on Embryonic Development of the Zebrafish Danio rerio
Developed under the guidance of Dr. Beth Cauley , College of Arts & Sciences

Much research has been conducted on the influence of food, chemicals, medications, and maternal activity on fetus development. Caffeine, a commonly ingested substance with teratogenic potential, can influence fetal development. Though mothers are not prohibited to ingest caffeine during the pregnancy, they are encouraged to limit intake to less than 200mg/day. There is inconclusive research regarding caffeine's specific influence in the cardiovascular system. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of exogenous caffeine on embryonic development in zebrafish, specifically cardiovascular development, morphological development, and angiogenesis.