How do fish know where a sound comes from? Scientists have an answer
Jun 19, 2024
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Researchers uncover how specific nerve structures in the genitals sense touch during sex. Fish can now detect the source of sound underwater using pressure and particle motion. Recent studies reveal potential names and communication methods among elephants, shedding light on their social behavior.
Kraus corpuscles in genitals are crucial for light touches and vibrations during sex.
Fish detect sound direction using a complex interplay of pressure and particle motion.
Deep dives
Understanding Sexual Sensory Organs
Researchers have delved into the sensory organs involved in perceiving light touches during sex. Known as Kraus corpuscles, these structures have remained mysterious despite being discovered over 150 years ago. Through detailed research on mouse models, it was revealed that the corpuscles are diverse, with varying complexities in genitals. Physiological recordings showed that the neurons in clitorises are more sensitive than in penises, hinting at potential implications for sexual function.
Function of Sexual Sensory Organs
The study revealed that the Kraus corpuscles are remarkably sensitive to light touches and vibrations, particularly in the range of 50-60 hertz. Activation of these neurons in males led to erections, while in females, it resulted in an increase in vaginal pressure. Mice lacking these corpuscles faced challenges during mating, displaying difficulties in penile insertion and ejaculation. The research laid a foundation for clinically relevant inquiries into sexual dysfunction and neuron development across the lifespan.
Challenges in Studying Fish Directional Hearing
Decades of research have puzzled over how fish discern the direction of sound underwater due to unique hearing mechanisms. Unlike on land, sound travels faster underwater, eliminating time delays between ears and minimizing the effect of acoustic shadows. Fish ears detect particle motion instead of pressure waves, complicating directional hearing studies. Recent work on transparent fish species unveils the delicate interplay between pressure and particle motion in fish directional hearing, shedding light on this once enigmatic behavior.
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Ancient DNA analysis sheds light on ritual human sacrifices from the Maya Metropolis Chichen Itza, with surprising findings of sacrificed boys and close relatives. The study links ancient genomes to modern Maya populations, highlighting the genetic impact of colonial-era epidemics. Fascinatingly, transparent fish species aid in unravelling directional hearing mechanisms, mirroring human complexities in deciphering sound origins in underwater environments. The potential benefits of such studies extend to conservation efforts and a deeper understanding of complex animal communication.
150 years after they were discovered, researchers have identified how specific nerve-cell structures on the penis and clitoris are activated. While these structures, called Krause corpuscles, are similar to touch-activated corpuscles found on people’s fingers and hands, there was little known about how they work, or their role in sex. Working in mice, a team found that Krause corpuscles in both male and females were activated when exposed to low-frequency vibrations and caused sexual behaviours like erections. The researchers hope that this work could help uncover the neurological basis underlying certain sexual dysfunctions.
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It’s long been understood that fish can identify the direction a sound came from, but working out how they do it is a question that’s had scientists stumped for years. Now using a specialist setup, a team of researchers have demonstrated that some fish can independently detect two components of a soundwave — pressure and particle motion — and combine this information to identify where a sound comes from.