Award Abstract # 1257683
Collaborative Research: Proprioception by fish pectoral fins: Is fin sensation tuned to fin mechanics and pattern movement?

NSF Org: IOS
Division Of Integrative Organismal Systems
Recipient: FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Initial Amendment Date: July 1, 2013
Latest Amendment Date: July 1, 2013
Award Number: 1257683
Award Instrument: Continuing Grant
Program Manager: David Coppola
IOS
 Division Of Integrative Organismal Systems
BIO
 Directorate for Biological Sciences
Start Date: July 1, 2013
End Date: July 31, 2014 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $156,358.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $41,025.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2013 = $0.00
History of Investigator:
  • Mark Westneat (Principal Investigator)
    mwestneat@uchicago.edu
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Field Museum of Natural History
1400 S LAKE SHORE DR
CHICAGO
IL  US  60605-2827
(312)665-7240
Sponsor Congressional District: 07
Primary Place of Performance: Field Museum of Natural History
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago
IL  US  60605-1234
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
07
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): CBHQF44BQYN5
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): Activation
Primary Program Source: 01001314DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
01001415DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT

01001516DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT

01001617DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s): 1096, 9178, 9179
Program Element Code(s): 771300
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.074

ABSTRACT

In animals, normal limb movements such as walking or reaching require sensory information from the limb regarding their movements and mechanics. While fishes use their limbs (or paired fins) for a diverse array of behaviors, little is known about the role sensory abilities plays in those functions. This project examines the fundamental question of how the sensory and motor elements of the fin propulsive system co-adapt to generate a functional neuromechanical system. In particular, it will determine how physical properties of the fins such as stiffness, size and shape, are reflected in the biological instrumentation of the fins for sensation. In addition to providing a new tractable model for studying integration of sensation and movement, data from this project will inform the design of fin-inspired propulsive devices for underwater vehicles. The broader impacts of this project will provide outreach experiences for children on the South Side of Chicago as well as opportunities for undergraduate and graduate training in the laboratory and builds educational activities at the Field Museum of Natural History.

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