Serotonin linked to locust swarming

[depakid]

Researchers have determined that close physical interactions between locusts trigger the production of serotonin.
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A chemical compound known to control mood in humans is also responsible for transforming solitary locusts into a ravenous swarm, according to a team of British and Australian researchers. In a paper appearing in today's issue of the journal Science, researchers report that the neurotransmitter serotonin is the key to locusts' swarming behaviour, which may pave the way for development of new control mechanisms.

"What we've demonstrated here is that locusts really are party animals," says co-author and biologist Professor Stephen Simpson, an ARC Federation Fellow at the University of Sydney.

Transformation

Normally, locusts actively avoid other locusts, but if they are crammed together in a small space, it triggers swarming behaviour within a couple of hours, Simpson says. "Being forced together sets in train a whole series of changes mediated by different pathways, which causes them ultimately to change their appearance, shape and all sorts of other things," he says.

The study found serotonin was the mediator of this transformation, and its release was triggered by the physical interactions between locusts in close proximity to each other. "One of the key pathways is from being touched on the back leg. When locusts bump into each other they have their back legs touched," says Simpson. On a locust's back leg are a specific set of hairs and nerves that, when stimulated, send a message to the insect's central nervous system, triggering the release of serotonin.

The serotonin sets in motion behavioural and physical changes, leading to the formation of huge, devastating swarms that devour everything in their path.

More: http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2009/01/30/2477607.htm?site=science&topic=latest

[mike_c]

1. excellent photo....

What a handsome fellow!

[hunter]

2. That's disturbing...

"The serotonin sets in motion behavioural and physical changes, leading to the formation of huge, devastating swarms that devour everything in their path."

You don't suppose human populations...

Nah.

:scared: