PhD projects in this area will investigate how animals control their limb movements. We are particularly interested in understanding the interplay between active muscle contractions and passive elastic properties of limbs that can assist or resist movements. As neurobiologists we are interested in comparative aspects (how do animals adapted to different ways of moving differ in their neurobiology and biomechanics?) and in uncovering general principles of operation. The work will span from comparative behaviour, through limb movement analysis to electrophysiological recordings of motor activity, with the balance of questions and techniques tailored to the specific interests and skills of the successful applicant. Our lab works with insects – particularly locusts – to address these questions.
Most animal movements are driven by muscle contractions controlled by the nervous system, but passive elastic forces, originating in muscles, tendons or other tissues, interact with these active forces in both vertebrates and invertebrates (Page et al. 2008). We have shown experimentally that meaningful movements can be generated by passive forces alone. Surprisingly, some of these forces arise within joints themselves (Ache & Matheson, 2013). Across species, where antagonist muscles have different strengths, passive joint forces seem to support the weaker muscle. We therefore hypothesise that passive joint forces are shaped by evolutionary adaptation and form an important component of effective motor control.
In related work we have shown that locusts 'recalibrate' their aimed limb movements following damage to joint sense organs. This plasticity allows animals to regain accurate movements in the face of sensory loss. Young adult locusts can similarly adjust their movements following the loss of part of a limb. Older adults do not readjust their movements after such injury, indicating that the ability to respond to damage decreases with age.
This PhD project will merge these strands of research to seek the mechanisms governing plasticity of motor control. The successful applicant will measure active and passive limb forces in a range of species to test our hypothesis that passive joint forces are matched to active forces acting at the same joint. Are there changes in passive forces in animals that learn new movement strategies to deal with limb damage? Is neuronal plasticity matched by plasticity in biomechanical properties? Do neuronal and biomechanical properties change during development and ageing?
The successful applicant will have opportunities to be trained in analysis techniques drawn from distinct zoological, behavioural, engineering and neurobiological disciplines to address fundamental questions in limb motor control, viewed from a comparative (evolutionary) functional perspective.
Entry requirements:
• Those who have a 1st or a 2.1 undergraduate degree in a relevant field are eligible.
• Evidence of quantitative training is required. For example, AS or A level Maths, IB Standard or Higher Maths, or university level maths/statistics course.
• Those who have a 2.2 and an additional Masters degree in a relevant field may be eligible.
• Those who have a 2.2 and at least three years post-graduate experience in a relevant field may be eligible.
• Those with degrees abroad (perhaps as well as postgraduate experience) may be eligible if their qualifications are deemed equivalent to any of the above
• University English language requirements apply. https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/entry-reqs/eng-lang-reqs/ielts-65
For further information please contact [Email Address Removed]
Application advice:
To apply please refer the application instructions at https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/funded-opportunities/bbsrc-mibtp
You will need to apply for the PhD place and also submit your online application notification to MIBTP. Links for both are on the above web page.
Project / Funding Enquiries: For further information please contact [Email Address Removed]
Application enquiries to [Email Address Removed]
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