Posted on 05/17/2014 10:48:09 AM PDT by null and void
Researchers are studying mantises to learn about 3D vision
In 1983, Samuel Rossel determined that mantises (of which the praying variety is the most famous) possess 3D vision. Piggybacking on this discovery, scientists at Newcastle University are researching how to gain a better understanding of 3D vision by taking a closer look at mantises’ vision. The team is attaching 3D glasses to mantises’ eyes to see if they will be fooled by the presence of 3D images. The researchers will attempt to compare mantises’ stereotypic vision to that of the human world and how 3D recognition has developed across various species. This study will allow future technologies, such as 3D vision in robots and computer vision programs, to be enabled.
Team leader Dr. Jenny Read from Newcastle University’s Institute of Neuroscience has been given a $1,680,700 Research Leadership Award by Leverhulme Trust to fund this project that will focus on analyzing the mechanics of 3D vision in mantises. It will be interesting to view the conclusions drawn from this project and how these crucial pieces of knowledge can be applied to future scientific and industrial projects.
[Video at link here]
In a press release on the University’s website, Read stated that “despite their minute brains, mantises are sophisticated visual hunters which can capture prey with terrifying efficiency. We can learn a lot by studying how they perceive the world.” Observing this system of vision can open various portals in terms of developing easy algorithms for programming robots’ 3D vision capabilities.
The team of experts will look at the response of virtual 3D stimuli, like moving objects, on the mantis’ field of vision. The 3D glasses are affixed to the mantis with beeswax while the insect is exposed to moving images on computer screens. The insects are tricked into underestimating the depth of objects and scenarios, just like what happens when humans watch 3D films. The mantises’ responses and behavioral patterns are calculated and electrophysiological recordings will be noted and applied when modeling neural algorithms in the future.
Can he save me money on my car insurance? B-D
BTW, I like to watch dreck horror movies and on Svengoolie tonight is the movie, “The Flying Mantis” from 1957. I remember the last time I saw it, Mom was still alive and just for “shats and giggles,” I asked her, “if a flying mantis was headed towards DC (as in the movie) what would Obama do?” Mom said, “he’d probably try riding on top of it.” and I busted out laughing. I can see Obama trying to ride the thing. A bit OT but an amusing mantis story.
“A bit OT but an amusing mantis story.” The world needs more mantis stories. Thanks.
They’re only doing this because they can charge the Praying Mantises an extra $4.00 admission for the 3D glasses.
Excellent! She sound like a remarkable woman.
Anytime. We do need to relax and blow off some steam now and then.
Yeah, I miss my mom, I lost her 6 months ago tomorrow. B-(
The pain does ease up over time.
Nah, PUTIN would lasso it and ride it. Obummer would curl up in a fetal position in the corner and whimper like a whipped puppy.
Saw a bunch of Mantis hatchlings (?) on my garage door the other day. Must have been 12-15 of them.
These guys cannot add. 3D + 3D = 6D
If a couple of praying mantises go to a 3-D movie on a date, the male should use the glasses to take a good look at the female. Then he should ask her what she likes to eat after making out.
The glasses do make him look smarter.
Is there such thing as Atheist Mantises?
What worries me is that little bit of drool...
Apparently:
In 1983, Samuel Rossel determined that mantises (of which the praying variety is the most famous)
Although I suppose they could be agnostic...
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