The individual running on the treadmill was not your typical gym enthusiast. This unique runner kept sprinting to the front of the treadmill and then smoothly riding it back to the end, all while showcasing its six legs.
Eugenia Chiappe, a systems neuroscientist at the Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon, Portugal, sees this as a remarkable opportunity to explore how the central nervous system of a fly manages various aspects of walking. Understanding the intricate mechanisms behind movement control in the brains of fruit flies, humans, and other creatures is crucial for our interactions with the environment and fellow beings, essential for survival.
The fruit fly treadmill, constructed from basic components like belts, pulleys, and motors, was more than four times the length of an average fruit fly’s body. In the experiments, the flies’ wings were clipped to prevent flight, and a glass chamber surrounded the treadmill to prevent wall-walking. The slippery surface of the chamber ensured that the only available ground was the moving treadmill.
Observations revealed that the flies moved in their typical manner, with frequent bursts of speed followed by brief pauses. When their abdomens touched the back of the chamber, the flies would quickly sprint forward again, showcasing a stop-and-go pattern of movement.
Neural engineer Brandon Pratt from the University of Washington in Seattle describes this behavior as a fascinating display of sprinting and stopping, shedding light on the intricate control of movement in these tiny creatures.
2024-04-17 08:30:00
Source from www.sciencenews.org