Wireless telemetry monitors dragonflies at the neuron level

摘要

Dragonflies combine delicate horizontal and vertical maneuvering to capture their prey in mid-flight, intriguing scientists at HHMI (Howard Hughes Medical Institute), who want to better understand the insects' complex flight-control system. The HHMI researchers gather information by attaching tiny electrodes to cells in the dragonflies' neural cord and recording the electrical activity of the neurons and muscles. Instrumenting and gathering the electrical data are problems, though, because systems to perform these tasks are heavy.