Acquisition of a High-Speed Video System for Motion Analysis

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The analysis of motion is crucial in understanding the biomechanical basis of fundamental physiological processes. Funds are requested to purchase a high-speed imaging system that will allow the quantitative analysis of the musculoskeletal system in both vertebrates and invertebrates. The criteria for selection of a high-speed imaging system is followed by the direct comparison of the top three systems currently available. The imaging system chosen is the NAC HSV-SOOHSG. This video system can operate in low light conditions, has dual camera capabilities, can film at rates up to 500 frames per second in standard VHS format for 43 minutes, and has direct analog overlay. All these features are required for the proposed research. Questions to be addressed include: (1) Are phylogenetic constraints controlling the evolution of a novel feeding system in fish? (2) What is the effect of temperature on skeletal muscle performance? (3) What role does chemoreception play in the modulation of a stereotypical behavior in lobsters? (4) Can biomechanical models be used to test the direction of evolution in functional novelties? (5) Can kinematic analysis of wing movement in flies be used to generate models of character evolution? All behaviors that are the subject of this research occur at very high frequency and are beyond the scope of study using conventional film or video. Furthermore, these projects require the analysis of complex movements in three dimensions, thus, the NAC HSV-500 best meets our needs. A university contribution of 50% matching funds towards the purchase of the video equipment has been provided.