Ecology

Data on Neurobiology Published by Researchers at University of Buenos Aires

  2012 JUN 29 (VerticalNews) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Ecology, Environment & Conservation -- Current study results on Neurobiology have been published. According to news reporting out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, by VerticalNews editors, researchers stated "A major challenge in neurobiology is to understand how brains function in animals behaving in the complexity of their natural environment. Progress will depend on our ability to correctly interpret results from laboratory experiments in the light of information processing demands identified by studying the organization of behaviour and the flow of information in naturally behaving animals."

  Our news journalists obtained a quote from the research by the authors from the University of Buenos Aires, "Predator avoidance responses of semi-terrestrial crabs offer an excellent opportunity for such an approach. We review here findings from two distinct lines of research: (1) Field studies which have characterized the structure and context of escape behaviour to real and dummy predators, and (2) Laboratory studies which have used computer-simulated images and in vivo intracellular recordings to identify and characterize individual neurons implicated in the control of escape. The results of both approaches highlight the influence of behavioural and environmental context in structuring escape."

  According to the news editors, the researchers concluded: "In order to understand how context and the complex flow of signals are processed and translated into behaviour in natural environments it is imperative that future studies take electrophysiology outdoors."

  For more information on this research see: The neuroethology of escape in crabs: from sensory ecology to neurons and back. Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 2012;22(2):194-200. Current Opinion in Neurobiology can be contacted at: Current Biology Ltd, 84 Theobalds Rd, London WC1X 8RR, England. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Current Opinion in Neurobiology - www.elsevier.com/wps/product/cws_home/601311)

  Our news journalists report that additional information may be obtained by contacting J.M. Hemmi, University of Buenos Aires, Fac Ciencias Exactas & Nat, Lab Neurobiol Memoria, Depto Fisiol Biol Mol & CelularIFIBYNE CONICET, RA-1428 Buenos Aires, DF, Argentina.

  Keywords for this news article include: Ecology, Argentina, Buenos Aires, Neurobiology, South America

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