Environmental light, particularly during early development, significantly influences lateralisation, the asymmetric information processing between brain hemispheres. We hypothesized that lateralisation could be affected by Artificial Light at Night (ALAN), a widespread form of environmental pollution. In our experiment, we exposed eggs and larvae of zebrafish to either control or ALAN conditions and we then tested them in a rotational test to assess motor lateralisation, and a mirror test, to assess lateralisation in response to visual stimuli. The control group exhibited a significant lateralisation bias at the population level, prioritizing the processing of visual information with their right hemisphere. In contrast, the zebrafish exposed to ALAN did not show this bias, leading to a notable reduction in lateralisation. Additionally, we found evidence of reduced individual differences in lateralisation in the ALAN group. Overall, our findings demonstrate that ALAN disrupts the natural lateralisation in fish larvae, possibly affecting their behaviour and survival.
Artificial light at night impairs visual lateralisation in a fish
Sensory perception in a changing world – join us in Liverpool in March 2025
We are excited to invite you to a unique scientific conference, celebrating the 100-year anniversary of The Company of Biologists, and bringing together our different communities. The conference will incorporate the JEB Symposium Sensory Perception in a Changing World and the SEB satellite meeting. Find out more and register to join us in March 2025 in Liverpool, UK. Submit your abstract by 17 January 2025. Early-bird registration ends on 17 January 2025.
Extraordinary creatures: mantis shrimp
In our new Conversation series focusing on extraordinary creatures, Tom Cronin and Sheila Patek tell us about the incredible biology of mantis shrimp, from their complex vision to their powerful striking abilities.
Behaviour as a physiological process
In this Commentary, Shamil Debaere & colleagues argue the case for integration of behaviour into animal physiology, and advocate for behaviour to be considered as a physiological process.
Tiny ring-necked snakes keep warm heads despite their size
Some ectotherms are able to raise the temperature of certain body parts above the temperature of other regions & now Christian Fox and Albert Chung, with undergraduates from the University of Virginia, reveal that the heads of tiny ring-necked snakes can be 2.1C warmer than their tails, even though they are only 20cm long.
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