mechanoreception
- Softness sensing and learning in Drosophila larvae
Summary: Drosophila melanogaster larvae prefer a soft food substrate. They can learn the softness of agarose gel and evaluate foods by balancing softness and sweetness. Genetic background affects the larval preference for softness.
- Haltere removal alters responses to gravity in standing flies
Highlighted Article: Halteres are specialized mechanosensors used to detect body rotations in flying flies. Responses to sudden free falls in standing flies show that halteres can also sense gravity.
- Mechanosensory signaling as a potential mode of communication during social interactions in fishes
Summary: Many fish social behaviors generate water movements that are detectable by the lateral line system of nearby conspecifics, suggesting that mechanosensory signaling may be an important mode of communication during social interactions such as reproduction, aggression and parental care.
- The mechanosensory lateral line is used to assess opponents and mediate aggressive behaviors during territorial interactions in an African cichlid fish
Highlighted Article: Hydrodynamic cues are needed for assessment and non-contact fight behaviors during territorial interactions in an African cichlid fish.
- Vibrissal sensitivity in a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina)
Summary: Psychophysical testing of vibration detection in the harbor seal demonstrates acute sensitivity of the vibrissal system.