Wisdom of (molecular) crowds: How a snake's temperaturesensing superpower separates information from misinformation.
| Title | Wisdom of (molecular) crowds: How a snake's temperaturesensing superpower separates information from misinformation. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2024 |
| Authors | Thattai M |
| Journal | J Biosci |
| Volume | 49 |
| Date Published | 2024 |
| ISSN | 0973-7138 |
| Keywords | Animals, Snakes, Temperature, Thermosensing |
| Abstract | The namesake pit organ of pit vipers and other temperature-sensing snakes is a remarkable biological thermometer, one that converts infrared light into an electrical signal (Bullock and Diecke 1956). The organ is arranged like a pinhole camera, with a small outward-facing opening covering a pit membrane dense with neuronal projections. This geometry ensures that only light from a narrow angular cone lands on the membrane. By reorienting its head to scan its surroundings, the snake can precisely detect and localise warm-blooded prey even in complete darkness. |
| Alternate Journal | J Biosci |
| PubMed ID | 39193853 |