Science: UC biologist explains how spiders 'hear' with legs
UC professor George Uetz is a renowned expert on spiders
Science Magazine talked to University of Cincinnati professor George Uetz about how spiders can "hear" with their legs.
A study on ogre-faced spiders by researchers with Cornell University was published in the journal Current Biology. Cornell found that spiders reacted to certain frequencies of sounds that were similar to those made by the fluttering wings of their preferred prey, moths.
Many spiders have excellent vision, but their ability to sense sound vibrations is far less understood. In his UC biology lab, Uetz and his biology students study "multimodal communication" in which courting wolf spiders use a combination of visual and vibratory cues to attract a mate.
Uetz said Cornell's finding about this new spider superpower is a surprise, given how much we already know about the acuity of spider vision. He was not part of the study.
"They are much more complex than people ever thought they were," Uetz said.
Featured image at top: An ogre-faced spider. Photo/Jay Stafstrom/Cornell University
Related Stories
Put down that beer; it's not a tanning lotion
July 1, 2024
The University of Cincinnati's Kelly Dobos joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition to discuss what's fact and what's myth when it comes to sunscreen use, different kinds of sunscreen and a social media recommendation to use beer on your skin to help get a tan.
Cincinnati researchers want to know if MRIs can work better
June 28, 2024
WVXU and the Cincinnati Business Courier highlighted a new collaboration between the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, UC Health GE HealthCare, JobsOhio, REDI Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s to create an MRI Research and Development Center of Excellence located on UC’s medical campus.
UC 1819 Innovation Hub workshop spreads AI awareness
June 28, 2024
Microsoft and Disrupt Now joined forces to run a June 24-27 seminar at UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub teaching Cincinnati residents how to responsibly use AI.