locomotion

A study finds that a baculovirus that infects cotton bollworm larvae changes the expression of genes involved in light perception, driving them to seek heights that could favor viral transmission.

The Scientist spoke with entomologist Matt Bertone about the characteristics of Laemophloeus biguttatus larvae jumps—a previously unreported behavior in this group of beetles.

The Scientist spoke with marine biologist and barnacle researcher John Zardus about why turtle barnacles—previously thought to be immobile—in fact slowly travel. He thinks the answer is food.

Watch one scurry around upside down in a remarkably unusual form of locomotion.

A new analysis of the hand of the 4.4-million-year-old partial skeleton of Ardipithecus ramidus indicates that the human ancestor may have climbed and swung through trees like chimpanzees do.

A new study highlights the importance of the transverse arch in regulating the stiffness of the human foot.

A major sensory neuron in roundworms distinguishes proprioception from harmful touch by sending out local or whole-cell signals, respectively.

The 12-million-year-old bones of a previously unknown species named Danuvius guggenmosi challenge the prevailing view about when and where our ancestors first started walking upright.

The evolution of different ways of flying in birds affected wing range of motion, but not wing shape.

The developers envision their device could be used to collect water samples in hazardous environments.

Watch a type IV pilus, which powers some bacterial species' movement, in action.

Watch young birds move like rock climbers.

Slithering snakes mimic waves of light, “diffracting” as they pass by an obstacle.

The colossal fish bank like airplanes when turning.

When heated experimentally, the secretory organ releases oil through pores on the animal’s head, producing a slick coating thought to reduce drag in swimming fish. 

Robert McNeill Alexander, best known for his work on animal locomotion, has passed away aged 81.

Scientists observe another form of locomotion for male gametes, akin to a snake’s slither.

An international panel of scientists selects the 10 most interesting organisms discovered last year.

A round-up of recent discoveries in behavior research