Award details

Neuronal integration underlying the computation of limb trajectory

Reference	AF13046
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Thomas Matheson
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	University of Cambridge
Department	Zoology
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	316,686
Status	Completed
Type	Fellowships
Start date	01/01/2000
End date	31/08/2004
Duration	56 months

Abstract

I will elucidate basic principles of organisation that permit nervous systems to solve complex computational problems underlying limb targeting. The solutions to these spatio-temporal transformations are of central importance to all limbed animals, and of great interest to roboticists. I will use behavioural analyses and intracellular recording techniques in a newly developed insect preparation that is particularly favourable for the analysis of limb targeting. I will show how properties of individually identified neurones and the patterns of synaptic connections between them allow spatially patterned sensory information signalling target position to be integrated with limb postural information, to produce temporally patterned sequences of motor output that drive a limb along the correct trajectory to the target. In the first 18 months, I will determine how sensory information signalling stimulus position on a wing is represented in the central nervous system, and analyse the patterns of synaptic connections that transfer this information to local neuronal networks that can drive leg movements towards this position. In the next 30 months I will analyse how wing target information is integrated with leg postural information to define a leg trajectory through space. What frame of reference is used at each level of neuronal circuitry? In the final year I will analyse how these neuronal computations are modified to counteract changes in limb dynamics resulting from growth or damage.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	Fellowship - Advanced Fellowship (AF) [1995-1998]
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

Associated awards:

AF13046/2 Neuronal integration underlying the computation of limb trajectory

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