CAREER: Function and Evolution of a Novel, Fundamentally Different Visual System in Dytiscid Diving Beetle Larvae.

眼睛的设计受到光的物理特性和光学限制的广泛影响。因此，迄今为止研究的大多数动物眼睛都是几种先前描述的类型的变体。在这个项目中，布施贝克博士将研究昆虫的眼睛，这些眼睛在基本方面与已知的视觉器官不同。潜水甲虫（Thermonectus marmoratus）的掠食性幼虫的眼睛至少包含两个视网膜，一个是垂直于光轴的受体细胞，另一个是平行于光轴的受体细胞。这与典型昆虫的眼睛不同，昆虫的眼睛只有一个视网膜，视网膜上的受体细胞与光轴平行。基于初步的发现，假设额外的受体是重要的，以衡量适当的打击距离，通过使用一种新的神经机制。在这个项目中，这些眼睛将使用组织学、生理学、光学和行为学技术的组合来表征。实验将涉及初中和高中教师的参与，他们将接受一系列简单实验的培训，这些实验可以直接纳入他们的学校课程，促进以探究为基础的学习。通过提高对视觉原理的理解，最终可能导致强大的新技术，预计将对整个社会产生更广泛的影响。几名研究生和本科生将参与这项研究，与辛辛那提动物园和植物园合作，通过高知名度的期刊和国内和国际会议，以及包括公共展览和讲座在内的当地活动广泛传播研究结果。

Eye design is extensively influenced by the physical properties of light and the limits of optics. Therefore, most animal eyes studied so far are variations of a few previously described types. In this project, Dr. Buschbeck will study insect eyes that diverge in fundamental ways from known visual organs. Eyes of the predatory larvae of diving beetles (Thermonectus marmoratus) contain at least two retinas, one with receptor cells oriented perpendicular to the axis of light, and one with receptor cells parallel to that axis. This is in contrast to typical insect eyes, which have only one retina with receptor cells oriented parallel to the axis of light. Based on preliminary findings, it is hypothesized that additional receptors are important to gauge appropriate strike distances by using a novel neural mechanism. In this project, these eyes will be characterized using a combination of histological, physiological, optical and behavioral techniques. Experiments will involve the participation of middle- and high-school teachers, who will be trained in a set of simple experiments that can be directly integrated into their school curricula, fostering inquiry-based learning. A broader impact on society at large is anticipated through an improved understanding of principles of vision that could ultimately lead to powerful new technologies. Several graduate and undergraduate students will be involved in the research, in an ongoing collaboration with the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, in broadly disseminating the results through high-profile journals and national and international meetings, and in local events that include public exhibits and lectures.