Insects were the first animals to evolve active flight and remain unsurpassed in many aspects of aerial endurance and agility. By exploiting experimental methods in a variety of disciplines ranging from fluid mechanics to genetics. Dickinson Lab at the California Institute of Technology is attempting to identify the neurobiological and biomechanics specializations that underlie the flight capabilities of flies and other insects. Principles garnered from flies provide insight into how animals employ unsteady aerodynamics to generate sophisticated flight maneuvers and how their miniature brains can rapidly transform sensory signals into precise motor actions.
Attendance at this lecture will count for AE 590.
