# BRC-BIO: Neural mechanisms underlying stable flight in insects

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Bryn Mawr College (PA) · $419,379

## Abstract

Animals require input from their senses to achieve accurate movements, such as stable walking on rough terrain or grasping an object with appropriate strength. This sensory feedback must be both fast and accurate to effectively guide behaviors, and it is particularly necessary in complex and changing environments. Perhaps no behavior is more demanding of sensory feedback than flight. For example, an insect must make rapid adjustments in flight to a small gust of wind. Due to insects’ small body size relative to other flying animals, sensory processing must be achieved in small neural circuits comprised of few neurons. Insect flight therefore presents unique opportunities not only to enrich our understanding of how sensory feedback guides behavior, but also to uncover general strategies for fast and efficient information processing that can inform the development of new bio-inspired sensing technologies. This project will investigate sensory signals that convey information about wing bending during flight and how these signals are used to guide flight behaviors. Experiments will examine flight behaviors and neural responses, and simulations will be used to examine how incoming sensory information might be transformed into behavioral responses. This project will support the development of a workshop series, including publicly accessible training materials, in modern data analysis and visualization methods for undergraduates conducting scientific research.

Mechanosensory feed

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2437471
- **Awardee organization:** Bryn Mawr College (PA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** K6QTMYRRT6S5
- **PI:** Alison I Weber
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** —
- **Estimated total:** $419,379
- **Funds obligated:** $419,379
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/15/2025 → 05/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2437471

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2437471, BRC-BIO: Neural mechanisms underlying stable flight in insects. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2437471. Licensed CC0.

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