Article
Behavioral Sciences
Brittney L. Boublil, Chao Yu, Grant Shewmaker, Susanne Sterbing, Cynthia F. Moss
Summary: This study found that the microscopic hairs on the wing membranes of bats are involved in airflow sensing for flight control and provide mechanosensory feedback for prey capture and flight.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY A-NEUROETHOLOGY SENSORY NEURAL AND BEHAVIORAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Ryan A. Palmer, Isaac V. Chenchiah, Daniel Robert
Summary: The study explores the mechanics of mechanoreceptor hairs in response to electro- and acousto-stimuli, demonstrating the feasibility of electroreception compared to aerodynamic sensing. By analyzing different parameter combinations, the research identifies distinct responses of hairs to electric or aerodynamic stimuli, providing novel insights into the tuning mechanisms within filiform mechano-sensory systems.
JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lydia Djenoune, Mohammed Mahamdeh, Thai V. Truong, Christopher T. Nguyen, Scott E. Fraser, Martina Brueckner, Jonathon Howard, Shiaulou Yuan
Summary: The breaking of bilateral symmetry in most vertebrates relies on the motile cilia of the embryonic left-right organizer (LRO), which generate fluid flow. This study demonstrated that the immotile LRO cilia serve as mechanosensors for shear force in zebrafish. Mechanical force applied to immotile LRO cilia activated intraciliary calcium transients, requiring the cation channel Polycystin-2. The study also showed that mechanical force applied to LRO cilia could rescue and reverse cardiac situs in zebrafish lacking motile cilia.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Songfang Zhao, Jong-Hyun Ahn
Summary: Researchers have developed high-performance tactile sensors based on bioinspired structures/functions, natural biopolymers, and biomimetic strategies, inspired by the concepts and design principles evident in natural materials and structures. However, the main challenge lies in developing novel sensing mechanisms and device structures that are sufficiently sensitive and stretchable using bioinspired materials. In this review, we discuss recent advancements in this field, focusing on biomimetic approaches to producing tactile sensors with essential sensing capabilities and the development of bioinspired materials with desired electrical and mechanical properties. Additionally, we highlight the potential applications of these devices and discuss future directions for research.
MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING R-REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Brittney L. Boublil, Clarice Anna Diebold, Cynthia F. Moss
Summary: Biological hair and hair-like sensors are diverse across the animal kingdom and play important roles in animal behaviors, supporting survival in various ecological niches. The shared functional properties of hair and hair-like structures among invertebrates and vertebrates can inspire advancements in artificial systems, such as robotics, by highlighting biological sensors.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Zhao Lu, Wan-Huan Zhou, Zhen-Yu Yin, Jie Yang
Summary: This paper develops a one-dimensional slurry infiltration model considering the viscosity of the slurry and validates the model through experimental tests. The model can recommend the optimal slurry viscosity and predict the results of slurry infiltration.
COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Amar M. Kamat, Yutao Pei, Bayu Jayawardhana, Ajay Giri Prakash Kottapalli
Summary: The study introduces a novel processing method for fabricating complex, bioinspired PDMS structures, including two flexible piezoresistive microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensors integrated into an electric shaver. This method involves 3D printing a thin-walled sacrificial metallic mold, soft polymer casting, and acidic etching of the mold, allowing for the creation of intricate structures that are challenging to achieve with current techniques.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mark A. Ditmer, David C. Stoner, Clinton D. Francis, Jesse R. Barber, James D. Forester, David M. Choate, Kirsten E. Ironside, Kathleen M. Longshore, Kent R. Hersey, Randy T. Larsen, Brock R. McMillan, Daniel D. Olson, Alyson M. Andreasen, Jon P. Beckmann, P. Brandon Holton, Terry A. Messmer, Neil H. Carter
Summary: The study found that deer utilized anthropogenic environments for foraging and were more active at night, while cougars killed deer at the wildland-urban interface and hunted them in darker locations. Light had the greatest effect on where cougars killed deer at the wildland-urban interface.
Article
Physics, Applied
Shangru Zhou, Haojie Liu, Jie Ren, Jiahao Tan, Yan Ye, Gaofeng Zhang, Kun Li, Huai Zheng, Sheng Liu
Summary: This paper proposed a method for a liquid-based thermal switch, where a thermal liquid column can be formed through electric field distribution control in a localized heating device. The electric field controls the formation and dissipation of the liquid column, achieving the on-off function of the thermal switch. By controlling different conductive substrates, localized heat transfer can be achieved and the heat transfer position can be precisely regulated. Furthermore, the fluidity of the liquid enables movable heating in the prepared thermal switch.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Fang Li, Xie-Yuan Yin, Xie-Zhen Yin
Summary: This study investigates small-amplitude shape oscillations of a viscous compound droplet suspended in a viscous host fluid. The dominant l = 2 mode and the existence of in-phase and out-of-phase oscillatory modes are identified. Various non-dimensional parameters are examined, and the effects of viscosity, density contrasts, and shell thickness on the oscillations are analyzed. The study also discusses the critical values and bifurcations that lead to aperiodic behavior in the droplet oscillations.
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mark A. Ditmer, David C. Stoner, Neil H. Carter
Summary: The study used NASA data to analyze the contribution of fossilized flash moonlight radiation to establish an ecological threshold, finding that light pollution has a significant impact on the distribution range of mammals, especially affecting nocturnal species and leading to fragmentation of dark environments. Targeted conservation efforts for affected families with significant conservation value are essential.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Larissa Sayuri Moreira Sugai, Diego Llusia, Tadeu Siqueira, Thiago S. F. Silva
Summary: Acoustic signaling is crucial in mate selection, but background noise and habitat structure can impact signal transmission. The acoustic space reflects selective pressures against signal interference and degradation, influenced by phylogenetic niche conservatism, allometric constraints, and ecological assembly processes. Sorting of species based on public information through communication networks can also shape the acoustic space.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Pauline Brumm, Anna Fritschen, Lara Doss, Edgar Doersam, Andreas Blaeser
Summary: This research introduces a new biofabrication method based on the viscous fingering phenomenon, which can efficiently manufacture highly branched and interconnected channel structures. The method offers adjustable printing parameters and hydrogel formulations for fabricating channels that mimic the morphology of small blood vessels and capillaries. The fabricated networks demonstrate excellent perfusability and hold great potential for nutrient supply in thick vascularized tissues or organ-on-a-chip systems.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kevin M. Rosso, Piotr Zarzycki
Summary: This article summarizes the progress in unveiling nature's long-range charge transport mechanisms in redox proteins and the development of versatile self-assembling scaffolds. These two separate fields may soon intersect to yield the first artificial bioelectronic wires. Notably, Dai et al.'s work in ACS Nano demonstrates intentional design with nuanced control, successfully binding multiple c-type hemes into a specific ordered array reminiscent of heme chains in bacterial multiheme cytochromes.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Songlin Zhang, Yihao Zhou, Alberto Libanori, Yibing Deng, Mingyang Liu, Mengjuan Zhou, Hao Qu, Xun Zhao, Peng Zheng, You-Liang Zhu, Jun Chen, Swee Ching Tan
Summary: Soft, conductive fibres for electronic textiles can be made using a spontaneous phase separation technique inspired by spider silk formation. These fibres are mechanically stretchable, strong, and electrically conductive, making them suitable for various applications including energy, sensing, and therapeutic uses.
NATURE ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Florent Figon, Jerome Casas, Ilaria Ciofini, Carlo Adamo
Summary: The study investigated the color-changing behavior of phenoxazinone/phenoxazine pairs upon reduction using quantum chemical methods, proposing a mechanism involving electro-accepting power of auxochromes and their conjugation to facilitate intramolecular charge transfers. This ultimately leads to bathochromy.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ludovic Jami, Thomas Zemb, Jerome Casas, Jean-Francois Dufreche
ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Florent Figon, Thibaut Munsch, Cecile Croix, Marie-Claude Viaud-Massuard, Arnaud Lanoue, Jerome Casas
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Thomas Steinmann, Jerome Casas, Patrick Braud, Laurent David
Summary: The study introduced an optical measurement technique for coupled measurement of free surface topography and flow velocity beneath the surface, successfully applied to study three-dimensional flows. By 3D Lagrangian particle tracking velocimetry, accurate particle tracking was achieved, leading to the evaluation of energy balance and comparison of different sources of energy balance results.
EXPERIMENTS IN FLUIDS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Thomas Dalgaty, John P. Miller, Elisa Vianello, Jerome Casas
Summary: This study introduces a neural network model inspired by the jumping escape response behavior observed in the cricket cercal sensory system, outperforming a generic deep learning model in terms of parameter efficiency. The bio-inspired architecture offers potential for memory efficient neural network models.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Florent Figon, Jerome Casas
Summary: Coloration is a complex trait involving physical and chemical processes at multiple levels, from molecules to tissues. Pigments, which absorb specific wavelengths of light, interact with molecular components in organelles to modulate color and reactivity. Integrative studies are needed to understand how pigments interact with their cellular environment and how they contribute to vivid and variable colors in animals.
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Thomas Steinmann, Antoine Cribellier, Jerome Casas
Summary: Research on animal locomotion in air and water has made significant progress by studying their wakes. However, the main propulsion mechanisms for animals at the air-water interface remain debated, indicating a complex relationship between forces and hallmarks.
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Florent Figon, Leila F. Deravi, Jerome Casas
Summary: Colors and patterns in nature are controlled by intracellular pigment-containing organelles within cells, representing important but often overlooked features of biological systems capable of coloration. Integrated and comparative studies offer insights into the morphology and function of pigment organelles across different scales and species, highlighting their significance in various biological contexts.
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Florent Figon, Ilse Hurbain, Xavier Heiligenstein, Sylvain Trepout, Arnaud Lanoue, Kadda Medjoubi, Andrea Somogyi, Cedric Delevoye, Graca Raposo, Jerome Casas
Summary: Pigment organelles of vertebrates, represented by melanosomes, belong to the lysosome-related organelle (LRO) family, but their catabolism remains poorly understood. By studying crab spiders, researchers found that pigment organelles share ultrastructural and chemical characteristics with LROs, and their catabolism likely involves intracellular degradation and removal of content through lysosomal mechanisms. This suggests that the endolysosomal system is fully functionalized for within-cell turnover of pigments, supporting the hypothesis of intracellular turnover of pigments originally formulated for human eye melanosomes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Nicolas Claverie, Thomas Steinmann, Mourad Jaffar Bandjee, Pierrick Buvat, Jerome Casas
Summary: This study investigates the impact of antenna movements of crustaceans and insects on odorant capture. Results show that increasing antenna oscillation frequency can enhance odorant capture rate, but only up to a critical frequency.
BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
L. Jami, T. Zemb, J. Casas, J-F. Dufreche
Summary: Environmental conditions can affect olfactory scent and chemical communication among species through the interaction of odorant molecules with aerosols. The study shows that pheromones can adsorb on aqueous aerosols when dispersed in air, but their residence time on pure water surfaces is short. The adsorption is influenced by factors such as entropy, enthalpy, structural arrangement, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophilic tail positioning.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Ludovic Jami, Grey T. Gustafson, Thomas Steinmann, Miguel Pineirua, Jerome Casas
Summary: By studying the swimming capabilities and survival conditions of whirligig beetles, it was found that their size is strongly constrained by fluid mechanical laws, and an optimal size range for swimming at the water's surface was observed.
Meeting Abstract
Zoology
F. Figon, J. Casas, L. Deravi
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Zoology
F. Figon, I Hurbain, X. Heiligenstein, S. Trepout, K. Medjoubi, A. Somogyi, C. Delevoye, G. Raposo, J. Casas
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mourad Jaffar-Bandjee, Thomas Steinmann, Gijs Krijnen, Jerome Casas
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2020)