Electrophysiology frequently requires very sophisticated and expensive equipment as well as years of training and experience. However, some of basic concepts are simple and it is possible to put together a simple apparatus for very little money.
This project is being adapted from an experiment Bell's "The Laboratory Cockroach", which is out-of-print. For starter's, we will try to listen and record from the large giant fibers that carry fast and strong signals from the last abdominal ganglion to the thoracic ganglia. These nerves are easy to access and record from and are part of important pathways for the cockroach and the spider. They are part of a very fast escape reflex, which can be an important target for spider toxins.
Goals
Describe changes in neural activity before and after the application of venom.
Compare these changes with changes in the behavior or responses of insects after they have been bitten.
Speculate about possible activities of the venom and how they benefit the spider during prey capture.
What we'll do
Observe spiders and prey during envenomation and capture
Harvest venom from a spider
Listen to normal nerve activity before and after the application of venom
Analyze our results