Abstract

Sharks, sturgeons and salamanders all have special sense organs containing ‘electroreceptor cells’ that allow them to detect the weak, low-frequency electric fields that surround living animals in water, which they use for hunting. Some lineages of teleost fishes (like knifefishes, which include the electric eel) have independently evolved electroreceptors that detect high-frequency self-generated electric fields, used for ‘electrolocation’ (like echolocation, but using electric fields) and communication.

Dr Clare Baker will introduce this fascinating “sixth sense” and describe her lab’s work on the embryonic development and evolution of electroreceptors.

This SciBar is free, but due to limited seating, please come early to ensure yourself a seat. Also please feel free to order food and drinks from the YHA bar, which you can enjoy during the talk.

For more information about the British Science Association see:

http://www.cambsa.org

https://www.britishscienceassociation.org/