Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026
12:31
A Method for Selecting Structure-switching Aptamers Applied to a Colorimetric Gold Nanoparticle Assay
Published on: February 28, 2015
15.6K
Switching Gears, Structuring the Right Search Strategy.
Johannes Felsenberg1, Scott Waddell1
1Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, The University of Oxford, Tinsley Building, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SR, UK.
Neuron
|April 19, 2019
Summary
Worms use distinct search strategies to find food. This study reveals the neural circuit controlling how worms switch between local and global food searching based on past experiences.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Nematodes forage using local and global search patterns.
- Understanding the neural basis of behavioral switching is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the neural circuit mechanism governing the selection and switching of foraging strategies in nematodes.
- To investigate how recent food experience influences the choice between local and global search modes.
Main Methods:
- Behavioral analysis of nematode foraging patterns.
- Neural circuit mapping and manipulation.
- Computational modeling of search strategy selection.
Main Results:
- Identification of a specific neural circuit responsible for mediating the switch between local and global search behaviors.
- Demonstration that prior food encounters modulate the activity of this circuit, influencing subsequent search strategy.
- Correlation between neural activity patterns and behavioral outputs during foraging.
Conclusions:
- The identified neural circuit provides a mechanistic explanation for adaptive foraging behavior in nematodes.
- Experience-dependent plasticity within this circuit allows worms to optimize food searching efficiency.
- This work offers insights into decision-making processes in simple nervous systems.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Switching of BJT
822
Switching behavior in Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs) is a fundamental aspect utilized in various electronic circuits, particularly for digital logic applications like switches and amplifiers. In a typical switching circuit, a BJT alternates between cut-off and saturation modes, corresponding to the "off" and "on" states, respectively, thus behaving like an ideal switch.
Cut-off Mode ("Off" State): In this state, both the emitter-base and collector-base junctions are...
Cut-off Mode ("Off" State): In this state, both the emitter-base and collector-base junctions are...
822
01:52Persuasion Strategies
43.0K
Researchers have tested many persuasion strategies, including the foot-in-the door and the door-in-the-face techniques, in a variety of contexts. Ultimately, the principles are effective in selling products and changing people’s attitude, ideas, and behaviors (Cialdini & Goldstein, 2004).
43.0K
02:22Structures of Solids
17.6K
Solids in which the atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite repeating pattern are known as crystalline solids. Metals and ionic compounds typically form ordered, crystalline solids. A crystalline solid has a precise melting temperature because each atom or molecule of the same type is held in place with the same forces or energy. Amorphous solids or non-crystalline solids (or, sometimes, glasses) which lack an ordered internal structure and are randomly arranged. Substances that...
17.6K
02:34Structural Isomerism
21.5K
Isomerism in Complexes
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can...
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can...
21.5K
01:27Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
456
Coping strategies are methods people use to manage, tolerate, or reduce the effects of stressors. These strategies involve both behavioral and psychological actions to handle stressful situations. One common approach is problem-focused coping, which aims to change or eliminate the source of stress rather than merely addressing its consequences. This method involves taking direct action to resolve the issue causing stress.
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
456
03:38Structure of Lipids
98.5K
Lipids include a diverse group of compounds that are largely nonpolar in nature. This is because they are hydrocarbons that include mostly nonpolar carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. Non-polar molecules are hydrophobic (“water fearing”), or insoluble in water. Lipids perform many different functions in a cell. Cells store energy for long-term use in the form of fats. Lipids also provide insulation from the environment for plants and animals. For example, they help keep aquatic...
98.5K