To be seen here are not delicate bird springs, but the greatly enlarged antennas of a mosquito. The mosquitoes can be heard with the sensory hair branches branched from it, even though they have no ears. But this is not only an advantage for the small bloodsuckers, but also for us. Because with a precise understanding of the perception apparatus of mosquito, engineers could develop models that recognize natural disasters at an early stage.
The vision: “Imagine urban environments that are equipped with bio -intended sensors, similar to ‘big ears’ that are able to recognize specific noises in the middle of the hustle and bustle of city life,” explains Pablo Zavattieri from Purdue University. In the case of earthquakes or other natural disasters, such sensors could represent an effective early warning system and enable early evacuations.
Zavattieri and his colleagues have come a big step closer to this idea. With advanced micro-computer tomography scans (micro-CT scans) and highly accurate computer-aided design models (CAD models) you have examined the anatomy of the mosquito antennas and their sensitivity more precisely to vibrations. “The functionality of these structures is the first step towards developing acoustic sensors that are inspired by their sensitive antennas,” explains co-author Ximena Bernal.
The result: The architectural features of the mosquito antennas apparently allow a species and gender-specific acoustic target recognition- even with non-target signals such as their own wing blows. This indicates that the antennas can capture a wider frequency range than previously assumed. The team is therefore now focused on reproducing the antennas through 3D printing and using them for different frequency tests. At some point, one of the most unpopular creatures could help save entire population groups.