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性质和光学极限的广泛影响。因此，到目前为止所研究的大多数动物眼睛都是先前描述的几种类型的变体。在这个项目中，布施贝克博士将研究从根本上偏离已知视觉器官的昆虫眼睛。潜水甲虫(Thermonectus Marmoratus)捕食性幼虫的眼睛至少有两个视网膜，一个感受器细胞垂直于光轴，另一个感受器细胞平行于光轴。这与典型的昆虫眼睛不同，典型的昆虫眼睛只有一个视网膜，感受器细胞平行于光轴。根据初步发现，假设通过使用一种新的神经机制，额外的受体对于测量适当的打击距离是重要的。在这个项目中，这些眼睛将使用组织学、生理学、光学和行为技术的组合来表征。实验将涉及初中和高中教师的参与，他们将在一套简单的实验中接受培训，这些实验可以直接融入他们的学校课程，促进基于探究的学习。通过更好地理解愿景原则，最终可能产生强大的新技术，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持续合作，通过知名期刊、国内和国际会议以及包括公开展览和讲座在内的当地活动广泛传播结果。

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.