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CDB Seminar - Dr Robyn Grant, Manchester Metropolitan University
12 October 2023, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
Title: From mouse moustaches to walrus whiskers: What can whiskers tell us?
This event is free.
Event Information
Open to
- All
Availability
- Yes
Cost
- Free
Organiser
-
Michael Wright – Cell and Developmental Biology
Talk abstract: Nearly all mammals have whiskers – sensory tactile hairs, also known as vibrissae. In fact, whiskers are only truly absent in a handful of species, including humans. However, much of what we know about whiskers comes from studying just a few species, such as laboratory rats and mice. In this presentation, I will present a snapshot of what we know about whiskers, drawing information from our comparative studies of whisker anatomy, development, evolution, and function. In particular, I will answer the following questions: how do whiskers work, develop, and evolve? And what are they for? I will also consider the applications of whisker research for mammalian behaviour, welfare, and conservation.
Zoom: https://ucl.zoom.us/j/92576663173
Host: Dr Phil Cox
About the Speaker
Dr Robyn Grant
Reader in Comparative Physiology and Behaviour at Manchester Metropolitan University
I am a Reader in Comparative Physiology and Behaviour at Manchester Metropolitan University. I am a Sensory Biologist specialising in somatosensation. I address fundamental questions about the form and function of vertebrate touch sensing by adopting an interdisciplinary approach. Specifically, my work focusses on facial touch sensors - whiskers in mammals and rictal bristles in birds. My research answers questions in the following areas:
- What behaviours and movements are associated with touch sensing?
- Why is the shape of the touch sensor and the anatomy of the follicle so diverse?
- How did facial touch sensing evolve?
- How does neurodegeneration effect sensing and locomotion?