neuroarchitecture of the butterfly's COMPASSTo unravel how compass information is encoded in the brain we study the monarch butterflies brain anatomically, using immunohistochemical techniques combined with imaging and 3D modelling. By staining brains with an anti-synapsin antibody, we can visualize the brain areas in the monarch butterfly brain. In addition, tracer injections into specific brain areas or into single neurons, and stainings against neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin) allow us to gain a detailed knowledge of the neuroarchtecture of the monarch butterfly brain in general, and the compass network in particular. The brains are then imaged on a confocal laser scanning microscope and the obtained image stacks are processed in a program that allows to model brain areas or neurons in 3D. One main focus of our studies is the analysis of the central complex, the brain area that acts as the butterfly's internal complass during migration.
SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
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CONTACT
Dr. Basil el Jundi
Norwegian University of Science and Technology Institute of Biology | Department of Animal Physiology Gløshaugen | Realfagbygget | Høgskoleringen 5 7491 Trondheim | Norway Email: basil.el.jundi[at]ntnu.no |
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