Worms create complex paths when moving through sediment to feed. This research applies computer simulation models to provide a unique approach to visualise and quantify the process by which complex worm paths can emerge from simple local movement decisions. A grid environment is proposed in which worms can move with choice of up to 8 directions at each step. This uses a square grid with diagonal paths which has not been investigated before and the resulting number of complex paths is increased compared to triangular grids. Results identify many novel worm paths. Some of the resulting paths are symmetrical, others produce repetitive looping paths, others return to the origin. Interesting worm paths are identified with chaotic movement. Some include oscillating between chaotic and ordered movement for which the outcome is still unknown after millions of steps. A conclusion that may be extrapolated to other creatures is that local movement decisions of a species substantially determine the overall global search strategy that emerges.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61165-5 | DOI Listing |
Nat Commun
January 2025
Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
The evolutionary paths taken by each sex within a given species sometimes diverge, resulting in behavioral differences. Given their distinct needs, the mechanism by which each sex learns from a shared experience is still an open question. Here, we reveal sexual dimorphism in learning: C.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEquine Vet J
August 2024
Department of Animal Biosciences, Parasitology Unit, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
Background: Selective anthelmintic treatment, advocated due to evolving anthelmintic resistance, has been associated with an increase in Strongylus vulgaris prevalence. Reverting to routine interval anthelmintic treatments is not viable and therefore, identifying other management factors correlated with S. vulgaris infection is vital.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAllergy
August 2024
Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in infants is a major cause of viral bronchiolitis and hospitalisation. We have previously shown in a murine model that ongoing infection with the gut helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus protects against RSV infection through type I interferon (IFN-I) dependent reduction of viral load. Yet, the cellular basis for this protection has remained elusive.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFParasite
June 2024
Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic.
A parasitological investigation of Cyprinella venusta and Notropis cf. stramineus sampled in Texas, USA, in the Guadalupe River, revealed the presence of Gyrodactylus crysoleucas Mizelle and Kritsky, 1967 on C. venusta, and Gyrodactylus mediotorus King, Marcogliese, Forest, McLaughlin & Bentzen, 2013 on both fish species.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Rep
May 2024
University of Exeter, RILD Building, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK.
Worms create complex paths when moving through sediment to feed. This research applies computer simulation models to provide a unique approach to visualise and quantify the process by which complex worm paths can emerge from simple local movement decisions. A grid environment is proposed in which worms can move with choice of up to 8 directions at each step.
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