Research Description
Area 1: Neuroecology of zooplankton sensory and motor systems
(in collaboration with Dr. Petra Lenz and others)
In this work, we are examining the relation between physiological and morphological properties of the sensory and motor systems of crustaceans, comparing pelagic and planktonic forms with benthic groups. We are interested in the evolution and ecology of these systems. Both systems reflect unusual adaptations to pelagic life when compared to similar systems in benthic and nektonic forms. Particular modifications of these sensory properties may reflect differences in ecology among phyletic groups.
Of particular recent interest have been mechanisms involved in predator-evasion behavior in calanoid copepods including:
- Detection thresholds for small hydrodynamic
disturbances, both behavioral and physiological
- Physiological characterization of giant antennal
mechanoreceptors
- Characterization, distribution, development and
ecological significance of myelination in crustacean
nervous systems
- Escape reactions of free-swimming copepods to hydrodynamic and photic stimuli (collaboration with Dr. Edward Buskey, of the University of Texas at Austin)
Area 2: Evolution of myelin
We are making an integrated study of myelin evolution with a focus on invertebrates. We and our colleagues are studying the innovation at many biological levels, linking changes in the genome all the way up to impacts on whole organism behavior and ecology. Viewed in the broad context of innovation, myelin may provide a useful tool for studies in evolutionary biology.
Area 3: Computational approaches to understanding physiological mechanisms in simple neural systems
Over the years, we have pursued a broad integrative approach to the study of neural networks. This has involved areas of quantitative neurophysiology, biophysics, pharmacology, computer science and mathematical modeling. Most recently, in collaboration with Dr. Ann Castelfranco, this has featured use of simple invertebrate material to provide tractable model systems in which to evolve predictive theories of nervous system operation, specifically:
- Computational and physiological approaches to
understanding the evolution of mechanisms speeding nerve
impulse conduction.
- The nature and correctability of space-clamp errors in
voltage clamp experiments on neurons with attached
processes.
- The computational properties of cellular mechanisms distributed over branching dendritic trees.