EXC 1003 FF-2016-06 - FIM4D: Automated FIM-based in-vial activity monitoring and tracking for locomotion analysis of Drosophila larvae

Basic data for this project

Description

In this project, computer scientists and biologists are jointly developing an automatic monitoring system enabling them to record and analyse the movement behaviour of fruit fly larvae (Drosophila melanogaster). Their aim is to develop a method which delivers high-contrast images and allows large numbers of larvae to be monitored simultaneously. The larvae are in their rearing vials while they are being monitored, which is carried out using external cameras. After the first prototype has been completed, the researchers want to use optogenetic and thermogenetic tools to identify those neuronal processes which are responsible for the movement displayed by the larvae. The project is a further development of the original FIM imaging technology. In this setup, however, the larvae are filmed outside their normal environment. In order to generate high-quality video recordings, the researchers use the so-called frustrated total internal reflection method. The novel, fully-automatic monitoring of larvae in rearing vials saves a great deal of time and makes it possible to monitor numerous animals in several vials simultaneously.