MEMS based sensors to explore the role of tension in axons for neuro-transmission

S. Yang, S. Siechen, J. Sung, A. Chiba, M Taher A Saif

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper employs MEMS force sensors to explore the role of mechanical tension in neuro transmission. Here, the nervous system of Drosophila (fruit fly) embryo is examined. The accumulation of vesicles that carry neuro transmitter at the synapse between the axons and muscle tissue is measured using florescent technique. The tensile force on axons are measured in vivo. The rest tension in axons is found to be about 1 nN. Increasing the tension by mechanical probing results in increasing vesicle accumulation. The results suggests that nature employs mechanical tension as a means of tuning neuro transmission efficiency, and hence memory formation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMEMS 2008 Tucson - 21st IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems
Pages308-310
Number of pages3
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 29 2008
Event21st IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, MEMS 2008 Tucson - Tucson, AZ, United States
Duration: Jan 13 2008Jan 17 2008

Publication series

NameProceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS)
ISSN (Print)1084-6999

Other

Other21st IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, MEMS 2008 Tucson
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityTucson, AZ
Period1/13/081/17/08

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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