elcome to the web site for the Functional Morphology and Biomechanics Lab at Brown University. Here you can find information about the research and publications of Elizabeth Brainerd and members of her research group.
Work in the Brainerd lab integrates studies of morphology, physiology and development toward a more complete understanding of vertebrate evolution. Examples of ongoing areas of research include 3D skeletal kinematics of feeding in pigs and ducks, 3D rib movements during lung ventilation and locomotion, muscle strain and skeletal kinematics of suction feeding in fish, pharyngeal jaw kinematics in cyprinid fishes, intervertebral joint kinematics in fish, the morphology and mechanics of segmented musculature and the ontogeny of form and function across life history strategies. Morphological techniques employed include dissection, histology, whole-mount immuno staining, confocal microscopy, super-resolution microscopy and CT scanning. Motion analysis techniques include X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM), high speed video, x-ray video, digital video and computerized image analysis. In vivo physiological techniques include the use of pressure transducers, electromyography, strain gauges, sonomicrometry and pneumotachography.
In the links to the left you will find information on upcoming and recent meeting presentations, publications of lab members, and video clips of vertebrate feeding, breathing and locomotion. Use links to e-mail addresses on the People page to contact lab members for further information.
Some material on this web site is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology - Brown University