Cytosolic actin isoforms form networks with different rheological properties that indicate specific biological function.

The implications of the existence of different actins expressed in epithelial cells for network mechanics and dynamics is investigated by microrheology and confocal imaging. γ-actin predominately found in the apical cortex forms stiffer networks compared to β-actin, which is preferentially organized in stress fibers. We attribute this to selective interactions with Mg-ions interconnecting the filaments' N-termini.

Deleterious effect of suboptimal diet on rest-activity cycle in Anastrepha ludens manifests itself with age.

Activity patterns and sleep-wake cycles are among the physiological processes that change most prominently as animals age, and are often good indicators of healthspan. In this study, we used the video-based high-resolution behavioral monitoring system (BMS) to monitor the daily activity cycle of tephritid fruit flies Anastrepha ludens over their lifetime. Surprisingly, there was no dramatic change in activity profile with respect to age if flies were consistently fed with a nutritionally balanced diet.

Recording lifetime behavior and movement in an invertebrate model.

Characterization of lifetime behavioral changes is essential for understanding aging and aging-related diseases. However, such studies are scarce partly due to the lack of efficient tools. Here we describe and provide proof of concept for a stereo vision system that classifies and sequentially records at an extremely fine scale six different behaviors (resting, micro-movement, walking, flying, feeding and drinking) and the within-cage (3D) location of individual tephritid fruit flies by time-of-day throughout their lives.