Abstract

NASA: Researchers describe the development of the Beetle Activity Monitor (BAM), constructed to support an experiment with the desert beetle, Trigonoscelis gigas, proposed for the NASA-Mir program. The BAM tracks beetle movement via a wheel which turns as the animal moves in the cage. In addition to design features that conform to shuttle specifications and animal housing standards, it holds a maximum number of animals, allows for continuous recording of activity, and provides a controlled lighting environment. An experiment with 32 beetles collected data in 5-minute increments for animals exposed to constant darkness and 12-hour light-dark periods. Results of this experiment indicate that the light-dark cycle entrained the beetle circadian rhythm.