Cat locomotion could unlock better human spinal cord injury treatment
Scientists at Georgia Institute of Technology investigate how cats maintain balance while studying human spinal cord injury treatment.
Animal Locomotion
Articles tagged with Animal Locomotion
Lost fish find their way, thanks to their ‘ancient brain’
Scientists discovered a new multiregional hindbrain circuit that enables zebrafish to compute their location and correct course. The study used whole-brain imaging to reveal the circuits involved in this process, which may apply to other vertebrates.
Scientists identify neural circuit that enables self-localization in zebrafish
Researchers discovered a neural system for self-localization in larval zebrafish using whole-brain functional imaging. The multiregional hindbrain circuit integrates visual information to form a memory of past displacements, correcting for accumulated displacements over many seconds.
Flying snakes help scientists design new robots
Researchers developed a computational model of flying snakes' undulation to understand lift production. The snake's cross-sectional shape creates pressure differential across its body, lifting it and allowing it to glide through the air.
How giant-faced owls snag voles hidden in snow
Great gray owls have a broad disc-like face that acts as radar to find food, while their facial features help correct for sonic distortions caused by snow. The owls' ability to hover above prey allows them to pinpoint location and avoid acoustic mirages created by the snow.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateNov 30, 2022
The swimming habits of gelatinous animals are inspiring underwater vehicle design
Researchers found that Nanomia, a gelatinous marine animal, can control its jets individually to prioritize speed or energy efficiency. This discovery could inform the development of more robust underwater vehicles. The team analyzed Nanomia's swimming patterns using video recordings and computer models.
Why fish look down when they swim
Researchers used simulations of zebrafish brain, environment, and spatially-varying swimming behavior to conclude that fish look down to understand their surroundings' motion. This adaptive behavior helps fish avoid being swept away by turbulent water.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 2, 2022
Not so dumb: goldfish show a keen ability to estimate distances
Researchers at the University of Oxford discovered that goldfish can accurately estimate distances by processing visual cues. The study found that goldfish use 'optic flow' to estimate distance, unlike terrestrial animals which rely on changes in angle between their eye and surrounding objects.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022
Brain cells identified for regulation of sleep-wake rhythm
A research team has identified a specific cell group in the brain that regulates shifts in the sleep-wake rhythm caused by psychostimulants. The hypothalamic dopamine locus is responsible for modulating circadian rhythms and gates the effect of psychostimulants, leading to increased alertness and activity.
Why whales don’t get brain damage when they swim
Researchers suggest special blood vessels called 'retia mirabilia' reduce brain pressure pulses, preventing damage. Computer modeling supports theory, which could be applied to other animals and humans.
These female hummingbirds evolved to look like males — apparently to evade aggression
Research on white-necked jacobin hummingbirds found that about 20% of females retain male-like plumage into adulthood, engaging in deceptive mimicry to avoid aggression and increase access to food sources. These females' strength and body size are similar to those of males.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2022
The physics of walking is simpler than we thought
Researchers found that ants and robots can be modeled using the same algorithms, despite differences in slipping motions. The discovery provides a universal model for location that applies to various movements, including walking and slithering.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2022
Frog forelimbs may be adapted for love and war as well as jumping
Researchers at the Florida Museum of Natural History found that frog forelimbs are not just for jumping, but also for fighting and grasping mates during reproduction. The fused radius and ulna bones provide strength and weight reduction, while also increasing stress on the tendon connecting to the bone.
30-million-year-old amphibious beaver fossil is oldest ever found
Researchers have found a 30-million-year-old beaver fossil that challenges previous theories on the evolution of semi-aquatic beavers in North America. The discovery, published in Royal Society Open Science, suggests that these animals may have evolved to swim earlier than previously thought and were likely adapted for aquatic life.
SourceOhio State University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2022
Study first to explore ‘walking’ sharks on the move in early life stages
A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers compared the walking and swimming behaviors of neonate and juvenile epaulette sharks. Contrary to expectations, results showed that differences in body shape did not alter kinematics between early life stages, suggesting a consistent locomotor performance.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalIntegrative and Comparative Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022
WVU researcher making sense of brain circuits with $1.6M NSF grant
A WVU researcher is studying corollary discharge circuits in fruit flies to better understand how the brain integrates sensory information and coordinate movement. The goal of this research is to shed light on human disease and human performance, with potential applications for improving fighter pilot safety.
Robot dog learns to walk in one hour
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems created a robot dog named Morti that can walk smoothly within an hour. The robot uses a Bayesian optimization algorithm to learn from sensor data and adapts its virtual spinal cord, allowing it to optimize its walking pattern and minimize stumbling.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022
Code-free conservation
A new platform called MoveApps enables scientists and wildlife managers to explore animal movement data with little more than a device and a browser. The system uses open-source code and allows users to create complex analyses with simple clicks.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMovement Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2022
Eating bamboo? It's all in the wrist
A fossilized wrist bone from a 6-7 million-year-old giant panda ancestor reveals the earliest evidence of a bamboo diet and the evolution of its unique 'thumb' structure. The discovery sheds light on how this adaptation allowed ancient pandas to thrive on a low-nutrient bamboo diet.
Tiny limbs and long bodies: Coordinating lizard locomotion
A multidisciplinary approach reveals a continuum of locomotion dynamics in lizards, with short-limbed species exhibiting snakelike waves and long-bodied species bending like lizards. The findings deepen understanding of evolution's implications for locomotion and have applications for advanced robotics designs.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022
Tiny fish-shaped robot ‘swims’ around picking up microplastics
Researchers created a light-activated fish robot that rapidly swims around and removes microplastics from waterways. The robot's unique material allows it to heal itself and maintain its ability to adsorb pollutants.
Never too odd to learn how to swim
Researchers have developed a new formula for swimming based on their study of odd elasticity, allowing microswimmers to exhibit autonomously directional and deterministic motion. The team used Purcell's swimmer model to demonstrate that any odd elastic micromaterial can spontaneously generate locomotion in a fluid.
SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review E·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2022
Canada ranks third worldwide in permeable landscapes for wildlife
New research from the University of British Columbia creates the world's first global map of mammal movement between protected areas. The study reveals that Canada has critical areas for connectivity, which are essential for maintaining biodiversity and animal populations.
Hummingbirds may struggle to go any further uphill
Researchers found that hummingbirds experience a 37% drop in metabolic rate and become torpid for longer periods at high elevations, making it unlikely they can relocate to higher altitudes. The birds' physiological response suggests lower oxygen availability and low air pressure may be difficult challenges to overcome.
SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022
No flight, no bite - 'Mosquito grounding' bed net nearly halves malaria infection in Tanzanian children
A novel bed net treated with chlorfenapyr has been shown to significantly reduce malaria infection in children, with a 43% decrease in the first year and 37% decrease in the second year. The study found that the bed net reduced clinical episodes of malaria by 44% over two years.
Dense bones allowed Spinosaurus to hunt underwater
Researchers found that Spinosaurus and its close relative Baryonyx had dense bones that would have allowed them to submerge underwater to hunt. In contrast, Suchomimus had lighter bones that made swimming difficult, leading the team to conclude that these dinosaurs likely waded instead.
Activity monitoring reveals natural behaviors of free-ranging dairy cows and finds penned cattle take half as many daily steps
Free-ranging dairy cows exhibit unique natural behaviors, taking more daily steps than penned cattle. A comparison study found penned cattle take half as many daily steps in modern cubicle housing without access to pasture.
New method pinpoints how dogs move, and could use information about their gait to find them the right harness
Researchers develop detailed canine gait analysis method to evaluate harnesses, providing a more accurate fit for dogs. The new method could lead to improved comfort and safety for dogs wearing harnesses.
How much energy does a dolphin use to swim?
A new study provides a reliable way to estimate energy costs in dolphins by using overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA), an integrated measure of all body motions during swimming. The study found significant correlation between oxygen consumption and body acceleration, suggesting ODBA can be a proxy for estimating cost of locomotion.
SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2022
Fish generate movable pairs of vortices to propel them forward like body waves
Researchers discovered that fish generate movable vortex pairs of high- and low-pressure regions to propel themselves forward. This process involves precise control of body fluctuations, which enables the fish to swim with high motion control and flexibility.
Treatment for Parkinson’s could now get even better
A new study from the University of Copenhagen has made significant breakthroughs in treating Parkinson's disease by targeting specific neurons in the brainstem. By stimulating excitatory neurons in the caudal area of the pedunculopontine nucleus, researchers were able to restore normal walking function in mice with Parkinson's symptoms.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2022
Like tiny drill sergeants, neurons identified in spinal cord coordinate our steps
Researchers identified a single type of neuron responsible for coordinating leg movement in the spinal cord, which was found to be necessary and sufficient for locomotor behavior. The findings have important implications for developing new treatments for people with spinal cord injuries or motor disorders.
Research in mice identifies neurons that control locomotion
In a study published in Cell, researchers report that ventral spinocerebellar tract neurons (VSCTs) are both necessary and sufficient for regulating locomotor behavior in mice. Activation of VSCTs induces locomotion, while suppression halts it, demonstrating their crucial role in controlling this essential behavior.
Scientists find previously unknown jumping behavior in insects
Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered a unique jumping behavior in the larvae of a species of beetle, where they curl into a loop and leap forward. The mechanism behind this behavior is distinct from other insects that rely on a latch-mediated spring actuation mechanism.
Where the wild bears are
Researchers developed enerscape software to predict large land animals' movement patterns, reducing costs and conflicts. The software uses energy expenditure calculations to create 'energy landscape maps,' helping identify protection zones and prevent human-animal collisions.
SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 3, 2021
Light pollution makes crickets chirp in the daytime and may disrupt reproductive processes
Exposure to artificial light at night impairs crickets' activity cycles, disrupting their nocturnal chirping and potentially affecting reproduction. The study, conducted by researchers at Tel Aviv University and the Open University, highlights the need to reduce artificial light pollution to protect environmental behaviors.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateNov 2, 2021
WVU researcher’s insect-inspired robots could advance space exploration, agriculture and mining
Researchers are developing insect-like robots for agriculture, mining, and space exploration using dynamic force sensing and agile movement. The goal is to create robots that can navigate difficult terrains and interact safely with humans.
Zebrafish could shed light into the mysteries of the human spinal cord and its influence on our body
Researchers used zebrafish to study spinal cord development and its role in controlling new movements, discovering patterns of neural activity that can be applied to human locomotor activities like walking and swimming. The study aims to improve treatments for movement disorders by identifying target neurons for restoration.
Zebrafish predict the future to avoid virtual danger
Researchers discovered zebrafish neurons that monitor prediction errors to efficiently avoid danger, creating a 'hazard map' in the brain. This study sheds light on brain circuits shared across vertebrates, including humans.
Predicting bear intrusions on settlements: A 15 year Beech tree flower study
A 15-year study found that the availability of beech nuts can predict bear intrusions into human habitats. The research used numerical modeling and observed beech flowering patterns to forecast bear activity, reducing direct conflicts between humans and bears.
SourceShinshu University·JournalLandscape and Ecological Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2021
Walking patterns of movement disorders shared among worms, mice, and humans
Researchers at Osaka University used machine learning to analyze locomotion data from diverse species, revealing common features associated with dopamine deficiency. The study found that worms, mice, and humans exhibit similar movement disorders when lacking dopamine, despite their evolutionary differences.
SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 17, 2021
These geckos crash-land on rainforest trees but don't fall, thanks to their tails
Scientists have discovered that geckos use their tails to recover from head-first crashes into rainforest trees, with implications for the design of agile robots. This versatile behavior allows geckos to stabilize themselves after impact and maintain control during gliding maneuvers.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021
Probiotics prove effective in treating antibiotics-induced dysbiosis in mice
A study by Kazan Federal University found that probiotics administered to antibiotic-treated mice improved behavior, reduced oxidative stress, and restored gut microbiota diversity. The researchers demonstrated a strong link between the gut microbiota and brain functioning, with potential therapeutic benefits for treating dysbiosis-rel...
SourceKazan Federal University·JournalLife·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 2021
T. rex’s jaw had sensors to make it an even more fearsome predator, new digital study finds
A new digital study has found that Tyrannosaurus rex's jaw had nerve sensors enabling it to better detect and eat its prey. The researchers used computed tomography to analyze the distribution of neurovascular canals in a fossil mandible, revealing complex branching patterns similar to those of modern-day crocodiles and birds.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHistorical Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2021
A robotic fish tail and an elegant math ratio could inform the design of next- generation underwater drones
University of Virginia researchers design a simple way to implement a tunable stiffness strategy in robots, enabling efficient swimming at varying speeds. The approach, inspired by the natural adaptability of fish, uses a programmable artificial tendon to adjust tail stiffness in real-time.
SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021
Leaping squirrels! Parkour is one of their many feats of agility
Researchers from UC Berkeley studied squirrels' ability to leap and land successfully to develop more agile robots. They found that squirrels assess their biomechanical abilities based on branch flexibility and gap distance, allowing them to adjust their strategies with minimal attempts.
More than just walking: a new role for core brain region
Researchers have discovered distinct populations of neurons in the mesencephalic locomotor region that control different body movements. These findings could improve therapies for Parkinson's disease by targeting specific neuronal populations involved in postural changes and body extension.
Bee-impersonating flies show pollinator potential
Researchers found that syrphid flies, a type of bee-impostor, were the second most common pollinators on urban and rural farms, accounting for 35% of visits. The flies' bee-like colors may help avoid predators, while their presence could also benefit plants by consuming pests like aphids.
How the amphibians got their vertebrae
A study found that ancient amphibians' spine stiffness varied with habitat, with more aquatic species having more rigid backbones. The researchers collected measurements on over 40 species of temnospondyls, providing valuable information on early vertebrate adaptations to water-to-land transitions.
A speedy trial: What it takes to be the fastest land predator
The study reveals that cheetahs use two types of flight during galloping, which enables them to accelerate to high speeds. The team's simple model and measurements with real-world data confirm the findings, suggesting a key factor in cheetahs' exceptional speed.
Rapid rovers, speedy sands: Fast-tracking terrain interaction modeling
Researchers have developed a new model, Dynamic Resistive Force Theory (DRFT), to predict the locomotion performance of vehicles and other objects in granular media. The model captures diverse counterintuitive observations in granular locomotion, including behaviors seen in circular and 'grousered' wheel locomotion.
Walk the dinosaur! New biomechanical model shows Tyrannosaurus rex in a swinging gait
A new study models the gait of Tyrannosaurus rex, revealing a preferred walking speed of 4.6 km/h, comparable to that of humans and other animals. The researchers applied resonance principles to the dinosaur's tail, which they found had a natural frequency, similar to a swing
Human activity forces animals to move 70% further to survive
A global study shows that human disturbances, such as hunting and recreation, trigger significant changes in animal movement, forcing species to travel 35% more or less than usual. This widespread impact threatens biodiversity and ecosystem processes, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
From fins to limbs
Researchers discovered three functional stages in the transition from fins to limbs, with early tetrapods exhibiting a unique pattern of muscle leverage. Their limbs were more adapted for propulsion than weight bearing, reflecting their aquatic origins and need to adapt to life on land.
SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 22, 2021
How drain flies dodge a washout
Drain flies have evolved a specialized hair coating that allows them to shrug off water droplets of almost any size. This nanoscale roughness gives the wing surface superhydrophobicity, minimizing contact between water and wing.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 19, 2021
Guppies have varying levels of self-control
Researchers found guppies showed higher inhibitory control when swimming towards food in a cylinder and resisted the urge to bump into it. The study revealed consistent differences between individual guppies and a population-level difference in self-control ability compared to another strain of guppies.
Scientists discover bizarre new mode of snake locomotion
Researchers at Colorado State University and the University of Cincinnati have discovered a new mode of snake locomotion, called lasso locomotion, which enables brown tree snakes to ascend larger smooth cylinders. This discovery may help protect endangered birds from the snakes' impact.
Water-to-land transition in early tetrapods
Researchers used high-resolution fossil data to analyze the humerus bone of early tetrapods, finding that they had adaptations indicating some ability to move on land. The study suggests that terrestrial ability coincided with the origin of limbs, providing new insights into the water-to-land transition in vertebrate evolution.
SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2020
Minimal waste production is a fundamental law for animal locomotion
A thermodynamic analysis by Skoltech professor Henni Ouerdane and his collaborators shows that waste minimization prevails over efficiency or power maximization in animal locomotion. The study recovered trends with experimental data for walk, trot, and gallop gaits.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 25, 2020
From fins to limbs and water to land
Researchers analyzed 40 3D fossil humeri to understand functional evolution of locomotion in early tetrapods. They found that the emergence of limbs coincided with a transition onto land, but early tetrapods weren't very good at moving on it.