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Abstract
The biomechanics underlying the predatory strike of dragonfly larvae is not yet understood. Dragonfly larvae are aquatic ambush predators, capturing their prey with a strongly modified extensible mouthpart. The current theory of hydraulic pressure being the driving force of the predatory strike can be refuted by our manipulation experiments and reinterpretation of former studies. Here, we report evidence for an independently loaded synchronized dual-catapult system. To power the ballistic movement of a single specialized mouthpart, two independently loaded springs simultaneously release and actuate two separate joints in a kinematic chain. Energy for the movement is stored by straining an elastic structure at each joint and, possibly, the surrounding cuticle, which is preloaded by muscle contraction. As a proof of concept, we developed a bioinspired robotic model resembling the morphology and functional principle of the extensible mouthpart. Under
ZEISS announces collaborative research partnership with Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
Date Announced: 15 Jan 2021
LSM 980 NLO confocal microscope with GRIN lenses in combination with Airyscan 2 to be used in deep brain functional neuroscience research.
White Plains, NY, USA ZEISS announces that it has formed a research collaboration partnership with the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI). Using an LSM 980 NLO next generation confocal microscope supplied by ZEISS, MPFI will investigate using implanted GRadient INdex (GRIN) lenses in combination with the Airyscan 2 area detector for deep brain functional neuroscience research.
Airyscan 2, an area detector with 32 concentrically arranged detection elements, provides a unique combination of gentle super-resolution imaging and high sensitivity. Combining Airyscan with GRIN lens technology enables increased resolution and signal-to-noise while imaging regions of the brain that are unreachable with tr