A new optoelectronic method was used for the measurement of wing movements in tethered flying locusts. The method is based on laser light coupled into a highly flexible optical fibre fastened to a forewing. A dual-axis position-sensing photodiode, aligned to the wing hinge, revealed the flapping, i.e. up-down movement, and lagging, i.e. forward-backward movement, of the wingtip as indicated by the emitted light. Measurements were combined with electromyographic recordings from flight muscles and with intracellular recording and stimulation of flight motoneurones. Compared with muscle recordings, intracellular recordings showed an increase in the variability of motoneurone activity. Stimulation of flight motoneurones reliably caused distinct effects on wing movements. Inhibition of elevator (MN83, MN89) activity led to a decrease in the amplitude of the upstroke. Inhibition of depressor (MN97) activity reduced the amplitude of the downstroke and sometimes stopped flight behaviour. An increase in MN97 activity caused a reduction in the extent of the upward movement and prolonged the flight cycle.
In the field: an interview with Harald Wolf
(update)-Conversation.jpg?versionId=3747)
In our new Conversation, Harald Wolf talks about his fieldwork experiences working with desert ants in Tunisia to understand their navigation.
Propose a new Workshop
-GSWorkshop.png?versionId=3747)
Our Workshops bring together leading experts and early-career researchers from a range of scientific backgrounds. Applications are now open to propose Workshops for 2024, one of which will be held in a Global South country.
Julian Dow steps down and John Terblanche joins the JEB team
-NewEditor.png?versionId=3747)
After 15 years with the journal, Julian Dow from University of Glasgow, UK, is stepping down as a Monitoring Editor. We wish Julian all the best for the future and welcome John Terblanche, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, who is joining the team. Julian talks about his long association with The Company of Biologists and the journal and John tells us about his life and career in this News article.
The capture of crude oil droplets by filter feeders at high and low Reynolds numbers
-FilterFeeders.jpg?versionId=3747)
Researchers from the University of Montreal, Canada, reveal how tiny filter feeding barnacles and Daphnia entrap and consume minute droplets of crude oil, introducing the pollutant at the bottom of the food chain.
Patterns and processes in amphibious fish
-Review.png?versionId=3747)
In their Review, Keegan Lutek, Cassandra Donatelli and Emily Standen discuss the biomechanics and neural control of terrestrial locomotion in amphibious fish. They explore how locomotor mode depends on body shape, physical constraints and phylogeny.
Social media
