Math Trek Math

Pinpointing Prey

By Ivars Peterson

- More than 2 years ago

Eight command neurons (black) represent the eight directions of the legs from which they receive input. Partner neurons (gray) send inhibitory signals. van Hemmen et al./Physical Review Letters

Under cover of darkness, a burrowing cockroach skitters across the desert sand. Its rapidly moving legs excite tiny ripples that travel along the ground, tipping off a lurking sand scorpion.