Scientists have long known about Ultrasound pronunciation (USVs) are made by mice and rats. Beyond the range of human hearing, the exact purpose of these high-pitched sounds is uncertain.
A new proposal suggests using USVs to transport molecules in the air to enhance these animals’ sense of smell.
Proposed by psychologist Eduardo Mercado III of the University at Buffalo and Harvard neuroscience student Jessica Chu, the hypothesis has not yet been verified in experiments, but it fits with behavior observed in mice, which typically sniff the air immediately after emitting a USV.
To support their idea, the two researchers compiled evidence about rodent behavior, the effects of ultrasound vibrations, and… Biological mechanisms Which generally applies to multiple types.
The researchers note that ultrasound vibrations can manipulate matter in several different ways, so it’s possible that rodents create clusters of molecules around it, making them easier to detect with their noses.
In particular, behavior can lead to concentration Pheromones; Chemicals that convey social, mating, or territory interactions. ASuggested by Previous researchA The ultrasonic blast can clump these biological aerosols together.
The clumping process, known as agglomeration, can deposit higher concentrations of pheromone in… The vomeronasal apparatus (VNO) for animals, the researchers suggest.
“This phenomenon has never before been observed, or even suspected, in any animal, I believe.” He says Mercado.
“They create new information pathways by manipulating their environment and controlling the molecular interactions of particles around them.”
It has been previously suggested that USVs exist Mating calls Or semantics Emotional states. This new proposal not only rules out these options, but also suggests the possibility of using ultrasound as a tool to stir the material and enhance odor. Laboratory tests on rats and mice could help explore this possibility further.
“It’s so far beyond what we know, it’s like we’re observing Jedi rats.” He says Mercado. “It almost feels like magic.”
If rats and mice truly use USVs to enhance odor, it could give us a better understanding of their actions during laboratory tests and real-world observations — and a better understanding of the many studies involving these animals.
This may also lead to fundamental discoveries about how animals’ senses evolved to work in tandem, and how interruptions in these signals can affect physical and mental health – in humans as well as rodents.
“The fact that we were blind to the possibility of anything like this happening means that we don’t yet have the understanding of how to manipulate nanoparticles acoustically for complex uses.” He says Mercado.
“But we could have a very strong start if we confirm that nature has already solved the problem for us.”
The research was published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews.
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