Memory and learning in animals is mediated by neurotransmission at the synaptic junctions (end point of axons). Neurotransmitters are carried by synaptic vesicles which cluster at the junctions, ready to be dispatched for transmission. The more a synapse is used, higher is the clustering, and higher is the neurotransmission efficiency (plasticity), i.e., the junction “remembers” its use in the near past, and modifies accordingly. This usage dependent plasticity offers the basic mechanism of memory and learning. A central dogma in neuroscience is that, clustering is the result of a complex biochemical signaling process. We show, using MEMS sensors and fruit fly (Drosophila) embryo nervous system, that mechanical tension in axons is essential for clustering. Without tension, clustering disappears, but reappears with application of tension. Nature maintains a rest tension of 1nN in axons of Drosophila for learning and memory.
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ASME 2007 Summer Bioengineering Conference
June 20–24, 2007
Keystone, Colorado, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Bioengineering Division
ISBN:
0-7918-4798-5
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Learning by Tension
Shengyuan Yang,
Shengyuan Yang
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
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Scott Siechen,
Scott Siechen
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
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Jie Sun,
Jie Sun
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
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Akira Chiba,
Akira Chiba
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
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Taher Saif
Taher Saif
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
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Shengyuan Yang
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Scott Siechen
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Jie Sun
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Akira Chiba
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Taher Saif
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Paper No:
SBC2007-176719, pp. 65-66; 2 pages
Published Online:
March 12, 2014
Citation
Yang, S, Siechen, S, Sun, J, Chiba, A, & Saif, T. "Learning by Tension." Proceedings of the ASME 2007 Summer Bioengineering Conference. ASME 2007 Summer Bioengineering Conference. Keystone, Colorado, USA. June 20–24, 2007. pp. 65-66. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/SBC2007-176719
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