Study finds unique wasp brain abilities

[SivVulk]

SEATTLE, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists studying the tiny brain of tropical paper wasps have found how the brain architecture changes as the wasps engage in specialized tasks.

Researchers at the Universities of Washington and Texas say previous studies had determined parts of the brains of the wasp species (Polybia aequatorialis) enlarged as the animal engaged in more complex tasks.

The new research describes how that occurs as dendrites, or extensions from individual neurons, reach out to receive information from other brain cells and form a dense network of connections. The networks help the wasps integrate information from visual, olfactory and touch sensory systems, the scientists said.

"I was astounded when we found that some of the individual neurons had dendrites that were seven to eight millimeters long in a brain that is roughly the size of two grains of sand,"



http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2009...5211255640102/


You learn something new everyday Pity that this doesn't apply to other species as well notably our own

[fat mike]

one of my dendrites is a cople millimeters too

[Sparkly Mary]

They are clever little fluckers.
They know just how to hover just far enough above the grass so that you don't see them and then they can reach out and sting the hell out of your foot.

Wasps really need to die.

[fat mike]

ixnay with the acismray--oh you mean the insects? nvm

[cellularsociety]

Originally Posted by Sparkly Mary

Wasps really need to die.

Wasps constitute conclusive proof that there is no benevolent god.

Mark

[SivVulk]

Originally Posted by cellularsociety

Wasps constitute conclusive proof that there is no benevolent god.

Mark

Indeed, i submit this video as exhibit A:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDSf3Kshq1M

[cellularsociety]

ughuhuhuh.

Hornets truly are from the bowels of hell.

Mark

[Dogberry]

Jaspers are very misunderstood.

[86Dude]

I had a whole nest of hornets unload on me once. Nearly sent me to the hospital.