Discovering how termites use vibrations to thrive in a predators' world

我们最近的研究表明，白蚁使用振动来躲避捕食者/竞争对手以求生存。然而，这种令人惊叹的能力的使能机制仍然未知。该项目旨在通过将白蚁、腿、天线和传感器官的机械特性(用先进的微观测量技术测量)与蚂蚁和白蚁的振动特征(使用创新的信号处理技术和非线性动力学提取)联系起来，揭开这些机制的秘密。我们将开发包含机器学习的新型生物动力学模型。我们将测试这些模型控制白蚁觅食行为的能力，最终目标是开发不含化学物质的、基于振动的虫害控制设备。

Our recent research revealed termites use vibrations to avoid predators/competitors for survival. However, the enabling mechanisms of this amazing ability remain unknown. The project aims at unlocking the secrets of these mechanisms by relating the mechanical properties of termite, legs, antennae and sensing organs (measured with advanced micro measurement techniques) to vibration signatures of ants and termites (extracted using innovative signal processing techniques and nonlinear dynamics). We will develop novel bio-dynamics models that incorporate machine learning. We will test the models’ ability to manipulate termites foraging behaviour, with the ultimate objective of developing chemical-free, vibration-based pest control devices.