Slithering Sleuths: Uncoiling the Sssecrets of Snake Biomechanics

Dr. Henry Astley, Dr. Christine Vega, and Jacob Sherman

Project Description:

The Astley Lab studies the biomechanics of animal locomotion at the intersection between biology and physics. Current projects are specifically focused on the musculoskeletal biomechanics and kinematics of snake slithering. Snake slithering uses posteriorly propagating regions of bending which push against irregularities in the environment to generate opposing reaction forces that push the snake forward. Snake slithering has highly variable kinematics and mechanical demands (force & power) which are both controlled by body postures, creating a potential conflict between these goals. We are investigating how snakes negotiate satisfying the multiple mechanical demands necessary for movement through their environment and how they simultaneously meet control requirements to produce effective, directed locomotion.

Students in this lab will have the opportunity to work on multiple, interconnected projects focused on different aspects of snake slithering. Projects include processing X-ray video data of snakes slithering, behavioral responses to environmental manipulations (e.g. substrate geometry, slope, friction, snake body temperature), and quantifying forces involved in locomotion.

What would you learn?

A student in this lab will have the opportunity to gain the following skills: understanding the scientific process and method, handling of snakes in a research setting, reading scientific literature, proficiency in 3D printing software, soldering electrical components, experimental design, equipment construction, and data collection/processing.  Prior undergraduate students in our lab have been co-authors on scientific publications.

Commitment:

There will be a 10 hour/week expectation of a student. We will work around your class schedule as much as possible. A student in the lab will be taught to do the listed criteria above as well as any other necessary guidance.