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极限的广泛影响。 因此，迄今为止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，Buschbeck博士将研究昆虫的眼睛，这些眼睛与已知的视觉器官有着根本的不同。 潜水甲虫（Thermonectus marmoratus）的捕食性幼虫的眼睛至少包含两个视网膜，一个具有垂直于光轴的受体细胞，另一个具有平行于光轴的受体细胞。 这与典型的昆虫眼睛相反，昆虫眼睛只有一个视网膜，其受体细胞平行于光轴。 基于初步的研究结果，它是假设，额外的受体是重要的，以衡量适当的罢工距离，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，光学和行为技术相结合的特点。 实验将涉及初中和高中教师的参与，他们将接受一套简单实验的培训，这些实验可以直接纳入他们的学校课程，促进基于探究的学习。 通过提高对视觉原理的理解，预计将对整个社会产生更广泛的影响，最终可能导致强大的新技术。 一些研究生和本科生将参与研究，与辛辛那提动物园和植物园正在进行的合作，通过高知名度的期刊和国家和国际会议广泛传播的结果，并在当地的活动，包括公开展览和讲座。

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.