Biography

Dr. Nathan Bird has received his PhD in George Washington University during the period of 2009 currently, he is working as Assistant Professor in University of Northern Iowa.  

Research Intrest

Dr. Nathan Bird research focuses on the development and evolution of the vertebrate skeletal system. In particular, I am interested in how novel structures and key innovations evolve in vertebrates. Using cypriniform fishes (minnows, loaches, etc.) as an evolutionary model, and the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a developmental model, His lab is investigating the evolution and development of the Weberian apparatus, a novel modification of the vertebral column that allows for enhanced hearing in these fishes. Two complimentary major research projects are being used to elucidate the morphological diversity of the Weberian apparatus as well as the genetic mechanisms regulating its development. 

List of Publications
Bird NC, Windner SE, Devoto SH. Immunocytochemistry to study myogenesis in zebrafish. in Myogenesis. Methods in Molecular Biology (2011). 798: 153-169.
Windner SE, Bird NC, Patterson SE, Doris RA, Devoto SH. Fss/Tbx6 is required for central dermomyotome cell fate in zebrafish. Biology Open (2012). 1: 806-814.
Webb JF, Bird NC, Carter L, Dickson J. Comparative development and evolution of two lateral line phenotypes in lake malawi cichlids. Journal of Morphology (2014). 275: 678-692.
Bird NC, Webb JF. Heterochrony, modularity, and the functional evolution of the mechanosensory lateral line canal system of fishes. EvoDevo (2014). 5:21.

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