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fMRI image of brain
New Brain Network Connecting Mind and Body Discovered
A new brain network responsible for complex movements may upend what we know about neural maps in primary motor areas
New Brain Network Connecting Mind and Body Discovered
New Brain Network Connecting Mind and Body Discovered

A new brain network responsible for complex movements may upend what we know about neural maps in primary motor areas

A new brain network responsible for complex movements may upend what we know about neural maps in primary motor areas

movement

Complete model of fly brain neuron connections
How Larval Fruit Fly Brains Convert Sensory Signals to Movement
Laura Dattaro, Spectrum | Mar 10, 2023 | 4 min read
A wiring map diagrams more than half a million neuronal connections in the first complete connectome of Drosophila and holds clues about which brain architectures best support learning.
illustration of cancer cells moving
Cancer Cells Gather Speed in Thicker Fluids
Holly Barker, PhD | Nov 22, 2022 | 4 min read
Viscous solutions accelerate the migration of tumor cells and may enable metastasis, according to a new study.
The brain's cerebellum
The Cerebellum’s Functions in Cognition, Emotion, and More
Diana Kwon | Aug 15, 2022 | 10+ min read
Once thought of as a mere motor coordination center, the “little brain” is now appreciated as participating in higher neurological processes.
Photo of a North American caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in Jasper National Park in Canada
Dozens of Genes Tied to Caribou’s Seasonal Migration
Maddie Bender | May 2, 2022 | 2 min read
Researchers tracked the movements of endangered caribou and sequenced a portion of their genomes to determine which genes may influence migratory behavior.
goldfish in tank
Researchers Train Goldfish to “Drive”
Chloe Tenn | Jan 12, 2022 | 6 min read
The Scientist spoke with cognitive neuroscientist Ronen Segev about how he taught goldfish to maneuver a moveable tank over land toward a visual target.
two quails
Chromosomal Rearrangement Linked to Less Mobile Quail
Chloe Tenn | Dec 7, 2021 | 5 min read
The Scientist interviews evolutionary biologist Carles Vilà about how a large genomic inversion detected in common quail affects the birds’ physical characteristics and migratory behaviors.
colored microscope photo of xenobot
“Xenobot” Living Robots Can Reproduce
Chloe Tenn | Dec 2, 2021 | 2 min read
Biological robots made from frog cells can replicate by smooshing loose cells into new robots—a reproduction method not seen in any other organism.
MUSCLE CONTROL: Researchers pinpoint how C. elegans (pictured) manages to expel food from its mouth.
The Science Behind How Roundworms Spit
Diana Kwon | Dec 1, 2021 | 4 min read
By viewing countless hours of expectorating worms, researchers discover a unique way in which neurons control the movement of muscles.
Chelonibia testudinaria barnacle on turtle shell
Some Barnacles Can Move Around to Improve Feeding Position
Chloe Tenn | Oct 6, 2021 | 7 min read
The Scientist spoke with marine biologist and barnacle researcher John Zardus about why turtle barnacles—previously thought to be immobile—in fact slowly travel. He thinks the answer is food.
Illustration of a rat with red, white and blue sections
Hormones May Contribute to Asymmetrical Effects of Brain Injury
Catherine Offord | Sep 2, 2021 | 4 min read
Researchers studying rats claim to have found a novel connection between damage on one side of the brain and problems with the posture or movement of limbs on the opposite side of the body.
Three researchers with headlamps on stand around a loggerhead turtle on the beach while a man covers the turtle's face with a gloved hand
Tiny Hitchhikers Reveal Turtles’ Movements and Foraging Ecology
Amanda Heidt | Jul 13, 2021 | 7 min read
Microscopic creatures called epibionts that live on sea turtles’ shells can help researchers understand their secretive lives.
Arctic, polar, polar research, animal movement, tracking, climate change, big data, global warming
Animal Movement Data Reveal Effects of Climate Change in Arctic
Amanda Heidt | Nov 5, 2020 | 5 min read
Environmental engineer Gil Bohrer discusses how long-term, large-scale tracking data can shed light on the unexpected ways animals are responding to changes in the Arctic.
Book Excerpt from Physical Intelligence
Scott Grafton | Jan 13, 2020 | 5 min read
In Chapter 2, “Surfaces,” author Scott Grafton describes the ancient process of action perception, which helps organisms navigate their environments.
Why Do We Forget How to Walk on Ice?
Scott Grafton | Jan 13, 2020 | 3 min read
A new book explores the crosstalk between mind and body and how it helps humans navigate their worlds.
Image of the Day: Bespectacled Mantis
Emily Makowski | Dec 10, 2019 | 2 min read
Insects wearing 3-D glasses detect computer-generated prey.
How One Neuron Regulates Two Separate Behaviors
Ruth Williams | Nov 14, 2019 | 3 min read
A major sensory neuron in roundworms distinguishes proprioception from harmful touch by sending out local or whole-cell signals, respectively.
Image of the Day: Upside-Down Landings
Emily Makowski | Oct 29, 2019 | 1 min read
Blue bottle flies use many different movements and a specific behavior sequence in order to stick a ceiling landing.
Image of the Day: Flight Styles
Emily Makowski | Oct 25, 2019 | 2 min read
The evolution of different ways of flying in birds affected wing range of motion, but not wing shape.
jellyfish robot soft body robotics swimming untethered burrowing carrying load
Image of the Day: Jelly Bot
Chia-Yi Hou | Jul 3, 2019 | 1 min read
See a tiny, jellyfish-like robot swim, burrow, and carry beads.
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