Lampreys possess electroreceptors distributed across their body surface, yet the only previously documented electric signals in these animals were ventilatory myograms, hypothesized to enable short-range electrolocation. Here, we report the discovery of biphasic, spike-like electric signals in free-swimming lampreys, recorded in both moving and immobile individuals. These signals exhibited amplitudes several dozen times greater than ventilatory signals, with durations approximately half as long. Spike-like pulses were not related to any detectable movements but were tightly linked to specific behavioral contexts. Most were generated upon physical contact with another lamprey or a substrate, with their source consistently located near the point of contact rather than at a fixed position within the body. Signals produced by immobile individuals in response to external stimuli differed significantly from those generated by moving individuals upon contact with a substrate. Our estimates suggest that these signals have sufficient amplitude to actively probe the surroundings, at least within several centimeters of the body.
Electric activity of the adult european river lamprey*
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This study is dedicated to the memory of our colleague, Dr. Andrey A. Orlov.
Harnessing physiological research for smarter environmental policy
In their Perspective, Alexia Dubuc and colleagues discuss strategies to strengthen collaboration, communication and engagement between physiological researchers and environmental policy makers to ensure that conservation strategies address the threats posed by climate change.
JEB grants to support junior faculty
Learn about the grants that we launched in 2023 to support junior faculty from two of our awardees: Erin Leonard, Early-Career Researcher (ECR) Visiting Fellowship recipient, and Pauline Fleischmann, Research Partnership Kickstart Travel Grant recipient. The next deadline to apply is 28 November 2025.
Early testing could make risky falls a thing of the past for elderly people
Falls cost healthcare systems billions each year, but there may be a solution. Jiaen Wu and colleagues of Stanford University, USA, suggest that measuring the way someone walks before they get old might let doctors know who is at risk for a potentially life-threatening fall in the future.
Ecosystem engineers on tropical reefs in transition
Giant barrel sponges (GSBs) remain robust to rising seawater temperatures and have rapidly populated reefs stripped of coral cover by climate change. GBSs may be poised to become the dominant habitat-forming organisms in tropical reef ecosystems of the future. In this Review, Joseph Pawlik provides an integrative and critical assessment of research on giant barrel sponges.
Fast & Fair peer review
Our sister journal Biology Open has recently launched the next phase of their Fast & Fair peer review initiative: offering high-quality peer review within 7 working days. To learn more about BiO’s progress and future plans, read the Editorial by Daniel Gorelick, or visit the Fast & Fair peer review page.
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